gloat
4 synonyms for gloat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To show obvious, often smug pleasure at your own success or at someone else's failure.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To show obvious, often smug pleasure at your own success or at someone else's failure.
“He couldn't resist gloating after his rival dropped out of the race.”
How to use gloat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
gloat over a victory
gloat about it
can't help but gloat
Etymology
From Middle English roots meaning "to grin or stare scornfully," ultimately traced back to an Old Norse or Old English word for staring — the same ancient family that gives us "glow" and "glint."
Full origin of gloat →Frequently asked questions
What does “gloat” mean?
The word “gloat” means to show obvious, often smug pleasure at your own success or at someone else's failure. In plain terms, showing off, smugly, that you won or that someone else lost.
How do you pronounce “gloat”?
“Gloat” is pronounced gloht (/ɡloʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “gloat” in a sentence?
Here is “gloat” used in a sentence: “He couldn't resist gloating after his rival dropped out of the race.”
What part of speech is “gloat”?
Depending on how it is used, “gloat” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “gloat” come from?
The word “gloat” comes from Old English. From Middle English roots meaning "to grin or stare scornfully," ultimately traced back to an Old Norse or Old English word for staring — the same ancient family that gives us "glow" and "glint.".
How many meanings does “gloat” have?
“Gloat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to show obvious, often smug pleasure at your own success or at someone else's failure.
