self-righteous

[ self-rahy-chuhs, self- ]

adjective

1. confident of one's own righteousness, especially when smugly moralistic and intolerant of the opinions and behavior of others.

   Synonyms: pharisaical, sanctimonious

self-righteous

adjective

1. having or showing an exaggerated awareness of one's own virtuousness or rights

Derived Forms

• ˌself-ˈrighteousness, noun
• ˌself-ˈrighteously, adverb

Other Word Forms

• self-righteous·ly adverb
• self-righteous·ness noun
• unself-righteous adjective
• unself-righteous·ly adverb
• unself-righteous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-righteous¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

We remember them as they actually are because we grew up among them: bitter, mean, and self-righteous.

From Salon

More than this, it redeems Daniel too, highlighting his transformation from a self-righteous know-it-all into a man who makes peace with some mysteries and finds balance with the man he once tolerated.

From Salon

Her first American film, the 2022 slasher “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” was a prank on Gen-Z and the self-righteous codes it clings to haphazardly.

From Los Angeles Times

"All of the criticism is valid because, you know, Democrats stand on this moral high ground all the time, and, you know, they act so self-righteous," he shared.

From Salon

I don’t want to be self-righteous; we all make compromises.

From Salon

Related Words

• complacent
• egotistical
• hypocritical
• pious
• sanctimonious