smugly

[ smuhg-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is contentedly confident of one’s ability, superiority, or correctness; in a self-satisfied or complacent way:

   I think I'm just as good as lots of those people who are sitting so smugly in judgment over me.

Other Words From

• un·smug·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of smugly¹

smug ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

For every time you hear an Angeleno smugly say “I thrifted it,” there’s a story behind the last hands that held the garment.

From Los Angeles Times

The video ends with Turchin staring in confusion at his bowl, now empty, and Bass smugly swaying to the pop melody.

From Los Angeles Times

But he smugly said he just wants to use them for rather mainstream Republican policy goals rather than revenge which Hannity quickly acknowledged and then moved on.

From Salon

The secretaries of the three branches of the service made a rare public plea to end this madness and he smugly retorted that he was going to hold out until he gets what he wants.

From Salon

Sinclair — more than a bit smugly — in the prologue to “The Lesson.”

From Los Angeles Times