smug
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for smug, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Overly pleased with oneself, in a way that others find annoying.
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.
Antonyms
How to use smug
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
smug smile
smug satisfaction
a smug look
Etymology
From an earlier sense of "neat, spruce," borrowed from Low German smuk ("pretty, trim").
Full origin of smug →Frequently asked questions
What does “smug” mean?
The word “smug” means overly pleased with oneself, in a way that others find annoying. In plain terms, self-satisfied in an irritating way — thinking you're better or smarter than everyone else and showing it.
How do you pronounce “smug”?
“Smug” is pronounced smuhg (/smʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “smug” in a sentence?
Here is “smug” used in a sentence: “He gave a smug grin after winning the argument.”
What part of speech is “smug”?
“Smug” is an adjective.
Where does the word “smug” come from?
The word “smug” comes from German. From an earlier sense of "neat, spruce," borrowed from Low German smuk ("pretty, trim").
Is “smug” a common word?
“Smug” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
