Standard Lemma guide

smugly

adv · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • CMU ARPABET: S M AH1 G L IY0 Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adv

Meaning 1

In a self-satisfied manner.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He was smirking smugly at us.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adverb

Meaning 2

in a smug manner

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the bureaucrats explained smugly that the facts provided by their own experts show no cause for concern

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English smug Middle English -ly English -ly English smugly From smug + -ly.