SELF-IMPORTANCE Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

self-importance

noun

ˌself-im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s

Definition of self-importance

as in arrogance

an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims the boxer's flamboyant self-importance often made for a colorful prefight press conference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vanity

an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements her overbearing self-importance has given her a sense of entitlement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 self-importance This population crisis feeds into a post-imperial syndrome, where the decline of empire and power status invokes a sense of loss of self-importance that gives rise to resentment and an unwavering commitment to retain great power status. — John Rennie Short, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026 Sonny was married for more than 40 years to his beloved Margo — who, as was often the case of the wives of famous/infamous men, knew exactly how and when to best burst his occasional balloon of self-importance and puffery. — David Aldridge, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2026 We’d sometimes get threatened, and that only inflated our self-importance. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Late-night show hosts now have an attitude of self-importance, congratulating themselves for their work. — Andrea Ruth, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-importance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-importance

Noun

But while that might suggest arrogance, Dawson’s answer to another question reflects humility.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Aemond, too, for that matter, while Daemon’s arrogance continues to get Team Black into all sorts of predicaments.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

Prioritize Lasting Placements Over Speed In staffing, speed is a vanity metric.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Most Popular In Oona’s bathroom the tiles are from Country Floors, the vintage mirror is from Venice, Italy, and the vanity is an antique chest that was converted to a vanity with fittings by Waterworks.

— Sara Ruffin Costello, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

Across a few overs, Cox was guilty of trying to steer a fifth stump line into the leg side, drawn in by the vacant space, but also his own apparent superiority over the bowler.

— Ben Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Unlike his predecessors, Fedorov publicly laid out a strategy to defeat Russia through attrition and technological superiority.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of superiority

Noun

Stewart, while offering advice on ownership challenges, expresses pride and excitement for Briscoe, noting their relationship will evolve from idol/driver to friendly competitors.

— Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
And in doing so, everything gradually registers — the cadence of campus life, the pride pulsing through students and alumni, the weight of the institution’s history.

— Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of pride

Browse Nearby Words

self-immolation

self-importance

self-important

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Cite this Entry

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“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-importance. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-importance

noun

Example Sentences

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