Complacent vs. Smug — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Complacent and Smug
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Compare with Definitions
Complacent
Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements
You can't afford to be complacent about security
Smug
Having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements
He was feeling smug after his win
Complacent
Satisfied with the current situation and unconcerned with changing it, often to the point of smugness
"a geologic cautionary tale for a complacent world accustomed to reliable infusions of cheap energy" (Paul Roberts).
Smug
Exhibiting or feeling great or offensive satisfaction with oneself or with one's situation; self-righteously complacent
A smug look.
A smug critic.
Complacent
Eager to please; complaisant.
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Smug
Irritatingly pleased with oneself; offensively self-complacent, self-satisfied.
Kate looked extremely smug this morning.
Complacent
Uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug.
Smug
Showing smugness; showing self-complacency, self-satisfaction.
A smug look on her face
Complacent
Apathetic with regard to an apparent need or problem.
Smug
(obsolete) Studiously neat or nice, especially in dress; spruce; affectedly precise; smooth and prim.
Complacent
Self-satisfied; contented; kindly; as, a complacent temper; a complacent smile.
They look up with a sort of complacent awe . . . to kings.
Smug
To make smug, or spruce.
Complacent
Contented to a fault;
He had become complacent after years of success
His self-satisfied dignity
Smug
To seize; to confiscate.
Smug
To hush up.
Smug
Studiously neat or nice, especially in dress; spruce; affectedly precise; smooth and prim.
They be so smug and smooth.
The smug and scanty draperies of his style.
A young, smug, handsome holiness has no fellow.
Smug
To make smug, or spruce.
Thus said, he smugged his beard, and stroked up fair.
Smug
Marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction;
A smug glow of self-congratulation
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