1
as in proud
having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself
prideful intellectuals long considered rock music unworthy of serious study
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in smug
having too high an opinion of oneself
at the wedding the prideful snobs ignored their poor relations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in triumphant
having or expressing feelings of joy or triumph
flashed a prideful smile as she received her college diploma
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prideful
The former Iranian diplomat Hossein Mousavian once scolded Americans for failing to realize that his people are prideful and vain, and that negotiations meant to humiliate and insult them won’t get far.
—
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026
After a scoreless first period, the defending Olympic gold medalists, too prideful to roll over, got on the scoreboard first.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
When Harper lays out the fund’s findings about Tender in an explosive speech at a financial conference, the camera pans to a prideful Eric, beaming and nearly paternal in his freudenfreude.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2026
Even though the Lions went to Chicago already eliminated from the postseason, Campbell came away with confirmation that the franchise has prideful players.
—CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prideful
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026
After a scoreless first period, the defending Olympic gold medalists, too prideful to roll over, got on the scoreboard first.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
When Harper lays out the fund’s findings about Tender in an explosive speech at a financial conference, the camera pans to a prideful Eric, beaming and nearly paternal in his freudenfreude.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2026
Even though the Lions went to Chicago already eliminated from the postseason, Campbell came away with confirmation that the franchise has prideful players.
—CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prideful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prideful
Adjective
-
Colombia of 1994 is not Colombia of 2026, a safer country, a happier country, a more united country, a prouder country.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2026
-
The quality of your trip can set a tone for the next part of your day and can shift the experience of commuting to something of which to be proud in our city.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Most smug articles and books that claim to provide quick fixes come off as tone-deaf or even counterproductive.—
Anna Holmes,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2026
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But the series’ central character, played by Rachel Weisz, has enough nervous, itchy, manic energy to make the show’s narrative structure feel purposely unstable rather than safely smug.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Rouge-er Megan Thee Stallion enjoying a triumphant return to Broadway in the Lil’ Kim role.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
-
The graduation marked a triumphant moment for the teen, who has spent much of her life battling a rare medical condition that caused her left leg to grow to a massive size.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
As Molloy gradually succeeds in puncturing Lestat’s aloof, arrogant outer shell, his sound correspondingly shifts from assaultive punk to more contemplative ballads.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
7 June 2026
-
But Lobo isn't some mindless arrogant hulk out to impose his indomitable will.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Avoid Burying Praise in Negatives To avoid making children too conceited, parents might bury praise in the midst of negatives.—
Wayne Parker,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
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The Pitt definitely feels like the type of workplace where conceited doctors-in-training are pretty much guaranteed to quickly get knocked down a peg.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
At the beginning of his tenure as the club’s resident DJ, the crowds were sparse, but as word of his sweaty, ecstatic sets quickly spread around Chicago, admission exploded, and lines to get in snaked around the block.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
7 June 2026
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While being ecstatic with her achievement this week, Kostyuk also dedicated her emotional quarterfinal win to the people of Ukraine, amid the ongoing war with Russia.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Many of Furgeson’s subjects were displeased by his haughty musings, which would seem less out of place if he was garbed in a royal mantle and wielding a golden scepter.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
4 June 2026
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One widespread subspecies endemic to the area is the haughty Cardinal, recognized by its bright-red plumage and smugness about winning a dozen National League Central crowns.—
Robert Annis,
Midwest Living,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Three Knights pitchers tried in vain as the Bruins diced up the diamond even though UCF walked UCLA and NCAA home-run leader Megan Grant three times.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2026
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The fact that the highlight of Henri’s wartime experience seems to be the moment Petain arrives in Limoges for a parade, only to shun him during a meet-and-greet afterwards, reveals to what extent all his efforts were in vain.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prideful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prideful. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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