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Definition of smug

smug

/smʌɡ/
smug
Adverb:smugly
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smug Lexical Profile

smug Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements; irritatingly self-satisfied.

Example

"He had a smug smile on his face after winning the debate."

2

(archaic) Trim, neat, or spruce in appearance.

Example

"The merchant stepped out of his shop looking clean and smug in his newly pressed coat."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for smug
Antonyms
View all antonyms for smug

• Rhymes for smug

• Nearby Words

smudgeless
smudging
smudgy
smug
smuggle
smuggler
smugly

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-16th century meaning "neat, trim, or spruce," probably from Low German smuk ("neat, smart"), related to Middle High German smucken ("to adorn or dress"). The modern pejorative sense of "excessively self-satisfied" developed in the 19th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Smug. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/smug
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