1
Core quality
Excessively self-satisfied and complacently pleased with oneself.
Example
His smug smile disappeared when the error was found.
smug
/smʌɡ/ · SMUGadjective
Excessively self-satisfied and complacently pleased with oneself.
Use smug to express this relationship precisely: excessively self-satisfied and complacently pleased with oneself.
What smug Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The essay avoids a smug assumption of moral superiority.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
She sounded pleased but not smug.
Use smug Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
His smug smile disappeared when the error was found.
The essay avoids a smug assumption of moral superiority.
She sounded pleased but not smug.
Precision Matters
Smug overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
smug
vs.Means excessively self-satisfied and complacently pleased with oneself.
contrite
Means genuinely sorry, remorseful, and ashamed about one's wrongdoing.
smug
vs.Means excessively self-satisfied and complacently pleased with oneself.
solicitous
Means showing attentive concern, care, or anxiety for another person's welfare or needs.
smug
vs.Means excessively self-satisfied and complacently pleased with oneself.
indignant
Means angry or offended because something is perceived as unjust, insulting, or unfair.
smug
vs.Means excessively self-satisfied and complacently pleased with oneself.
arrogant
Means having or displaying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, ability, or superiority.
Test smug in Context
He displays excessive and complacent self-satisfaction.
1
Certain that no one else could solve the problem, he wore a ___ expression before even seeing the results.