as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims
she looked at him with the hauteur of someone who is accustomed to being instantly obeyed
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Recent Examples of hauteur
Ted is a cartoon creep with an Oxbridge hauteur, but Theo’s shortcomings may be too subtly rendered for a play that cries out for more definition.
—
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Charles de Gaulle ruled with hauteur and impatience, often alienating allies while imposing coherence on a fractured state.
—Philip Martin, Washington Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Her tall hauteur was piquant in combination with her soft Derbyshire accent.
—Tessa Hadley, New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2026
Rosamund Pike, playing the spirit of loving filthy lucre over life itself, elevates a standard villain through the high timing of her theatrical hauteur.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hauteur
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Charles de Gaulle ruled with hauteur and impatience, often alienating allies while imposing coherence on a fractured state.
—Philip Martin, Washington Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Her tall hauteur was piquant in combination with her soft Derbyshire accent.
—Tessa Hadley, New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2026
Rosamund Pike, playing the spirit of loving filthy lucre over life itself, elevates a standard villain through the high timing of her theatrical hauteur.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hauteur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hauteur
Noun
-
In the book, Caputo’s initial pride and arrogance soon give way to a more contemplative spirit, followed by degeneration.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
That’s where arrogance becomes a liability.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Protecting the sense of superiority of white passengers was the top priority.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
-
If the industry collapses, no individual company’s superiority matters.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hauteur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hauteur. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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