proud

adjective

ˈprau̇d How to pronounce proud (audio)
Synonyms of proud
1
: feeling or showing pride: such as
a
: having or displaying excessive self-esteem
b
: much pleased : exultant
c
: having proper self-respect
2
a
: marked by stateliness : magnificent
b
: giving reason for pride : glorious
the proudest moment in her life
3
: vigorous, spirited
a proud steed
4
chiefly British : raised above a surrounding area
a proud design on a stamp
proudly adverb

Synonyms of proud

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proud, arrogant, haughty, lordly, insolent, overbearing, supercilious, disdainful mean showing scorn for inferiors.

proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

Examples of proud in a Sentence

They are the proud parents of a hero. I was proud that I never gave in. She's the proud owner of a new car. Her proudest accomplishment was to finish school. He has a proud manner. a proud and opinionated person She's too proud to accept their charity.
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.
Though Hallegua and Josephai rarely meet, both are intensely proud of their ancient heritage. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Spanish-speaking students and staff at Oak Lawn Community High School are proud of their heritage and will share it with the larger community during a festival that celebrates Hispanic food and culture. — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 The proud parents announced his arrival via Instagram, and also revealed the meaning behind his name. — Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 Betsy and Paul are proud that all of the children earned their high school diploma. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proud

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English prūd, probably from Old French prod, prud, prou advantageous, just, wise, bold, from Late Latin prode advantage, advantageous, back-formation from Latin prodesse to be advantageous, from pro-, prod- for, in favor + esse to be — more at pro-, is

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proud was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing proud

Rhymes for proud

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protype
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proud flesh
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Cite this Entry

“Proud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proud. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

proud

adjective
ˈprau̇d How to pronounce proud (audio)
1
a
: having or displaying excessive self-esteem
a proud manner
b
: much pleased
proud parents of a hero
c
: having proper self-respect
too proud to beg
2
: magnificent sense 1, glorious
a proud record
3
: vigorous sense 1, spirited
a proud horse
proudly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on proud

Nglish: Translation of proud for Spanish Speakers

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