1
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
2
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
The thought was that to meet something with a laugh was the same thing as defanging it, a fearful humor inflated with American self-importance.
—
Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
The story is a grim reminder that every narcissist needs their own Echo, a loyal admirer who reinforces their delusions and self-importance.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Pritzker and his staff’s ambitions for higher office have contributed to self-importance and a hypersensitivity to criticism, some sources have said.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Psychologists call this a hallmark of grandiose narcissism, a trait characterized by self-importance and a deep need for validation.
—Mark Murphy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
In the end, the movie delivers an official narrative, sufficiently heroic—with sanitized flaws calibrated to modern tastes for ambiguity and irony, such as self-importance, cantankerousness, even romantic deceit.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2024
But unlike the relative low-budget kicks of his previous two films, Glass has lots of portentous self-importance that the movie never quite earns.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2024
The arrogance and self-importance are off the charts.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2024
But even Murphy’s prestige projects seem to have swapped sincerity for self-importance.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024
Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
The story is a grim reminder that every narcissist needs their own Echo, a loyal admirer who reinforces their delusions and self-importance.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Pritzker and his staff’s ambitions for higher office have contributed to self-importance and a hypersensitivity to criticism, some sources have said.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Psychologists call this a hallmark of grandiose narcissism, a trait characterized by self-importance and a deep need for validation.
—Mark Murphy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
In the end, the movie delivers an official narrative, sufficiently heroic—with sanitized flaws calibrated to modern tastes for ambiguity and irony, such as self-importance, cantankerousness, even romantic deceit.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2024
But unlike the relative low-budget kicks of his previous two films, Glass has lots of portentous self-importance that the movie never quite earns.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2024
The arrogance and self-importance are off the charts.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2024
But even Murphy’s prestige projects seem to have swapped sincerity for self-importance.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-importance
Noun
-
Most are due to unnecessary escalation, creating disengagement, authoritative behaviors, arrogance and ego.—
Joao Mendes-Roter,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Musk’s casual Friday attire just shows his arrogance and disrespect for American government.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Other highlights include the nine-foot-plus height for the tray ceiling, a walk-in closet with a skylight, and a primary bath that includes a soaking tub, separate large shower, dual sink vanity, and a private room for the commode.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Why Digital Products Are Changing the Game Entrepreneurial creators are shifting the narrative away from vanity metrics and toward meaningful income.—
Kristen Bousquet,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The hypocrisies of what might be called humanity’s delusions of superiority suggest the need for deeper questioning.—
Billy J. Stratton,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2025
-
His superiority was self-evident, like the rays of the sun.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Of course, there are cases where a healthy ego is necessary.—
Stephanie Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Consider: One of the key reasons Salke was hired away from NBC seven years ago was because she was known as a talent-friendly exec who knew how to massage the egos of the writers, actors, and producers who keep Hollywood running.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Taylor said the team hopes to host a contingent of young players from local club teams, and college players take pride in interacting with them.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Plus, the brand takes pride in their meticulous craftsmanship, with each hat requiring approximately 22 hours to complete.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-importance. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share