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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of complacent President Donald Trump is trying to ransack the Constitution, and the Supreme Court’s conservative majority too often appears to be either complacent or just lost. Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 27 July 2025 Arguably, the consensus is now a bit complacent regarding the potential impact of tariff outcomes, lulled by a slow-and-steady economy helped by a torrid tech capex binge. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 July 2025 However, Chin-Hong urged Californians not to become complacent about the disease, as immunization rates have been gradually dipping. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025 Lunn’s brand of reform disrupted the corrupt and complacent, empowered talent without regard to political allegiance, and relentlessly focused on the common good of his constituents. Time, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for complacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacent
Adjective
  • This isn’t the first time Kravitz and her stylist, Danielle Goldberg, have embraced nonchalant suiting on her press tour.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Her opponent was a noisy avalanche of language, but Kuang appeared cool and nonchalant.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps the frustration this time will be mitigated slightly as EV owners feel a bit smug about eliminating range anxiety.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • There really was a secret cabal of the rich and powerful who committed horrific crimes, smug in the knowledge that their money and power would protect them.
    Pat Beall, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Compared to your standard jeans (too casual) or black dress pants (too formal), the white jeans felt just right—existing somewhere between both worlds.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2025
  • With a flat sole and closed toe, these shoes blend dressy and casual elements for an effortlessly refined shoe.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Sears had a proud narrative, but Amazon had a compounding moat.
    Michael Cannivet, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • As a proud and perpetually hungry University of Alabama alum, my thoughts turn first to food, and one specific game-day treat in particular: the stadium dog.
    Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But this act of arrogant bullying should also re-kindle the spirit of hope and unity that swept through this community in the aftermath of that horrible night in 2016, that still binds Orlando in its 150th anniversary year.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Harry Potter fans might recognize Stroma for playing the arrogant Hogwarts student named Cormac McLaggen in the film franchise.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • She was constantly plagued by fear that her efforts would be in vain and Peach wouldn't make it.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Johnson and his administration have spent much time and energy — mostly in vain — demanding more money from Pritzker and lawmakers in Springfield, in no small part due to the pressure on city services from having to plow more money into pension funds.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cena gets to show off his mane of hair while playing Peacemaker, the egotistical vigilante that made his debut in 2021's Suicide Squad and now leads the acclaimed HBO Max series also starring Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, and Jennifer Holland.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • The output looks confident: charts, scenarios, and a familiar set of options.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Despite the unfinished look, the Hornets and city leaders are looking forward to the results and remain confident the work will get finished on time.
    Chase Jordan August 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacent. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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