smart-ass

noun

smart-ass adjective
smart-assed adjective

Examples of smart-ass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the salty Wade Wilson — who, shhh, is actually a softie at heart — Reynolds got to apply his smart-ass persona to an indelible character while showing off his sensitive side, which would sometimes pop up in underrated indies like Mississippi Grind. Will Leitch, Vulture, 29 July 2024 Deadpool & Wolverine proves that Marvel capitalizes on a market of obnoxious, smart-ass adolescents (and adults) insatiable for sarcasm. Armond White, National Review, 26 July 2024 In the comics, the X-Men–adjacent smart-ass and alter ego of professional assassin Wade Wilson was known for being horribly disfigured, handy with weapons, impossible to kill, and even more impossible to shut up. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2024 One More Time offers the perfect opportunity to take one last stab at it all: the smart-ass attitude, the genre-defining music, and the rock-star dreams. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2023 For your kindness that somehow surpasses even your coolness, for your drive, your creativity, your A+ stink-eye and your smart-ass sense of humor. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 11 Oct. 2023 Brunson also seems like a definite — she was nominated last year but lost to Jean Smart for Hacks — and Lyonne’s smart-ass charm seems likely to win over voters. Vulture, 11 July 2023 But here, Pine is called upon to be both a traditional square-jawed hero ready to save the world and the smart-ass comic relief looking out for No. 1. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smart-ass was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near smart-ass

Cite this Entry

“Smart-ass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smart-ass. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on smart-ass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!