supercilious

[ soo-per-sil-ee-uhs ]

adjective

1. haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression.

   Synonyms: scornful, arrogant

   Antonyms: humble

supercilious

/ ˌsuːpəˈsɪlɪəs /

adjective

1. displaying arrogant pride, scorn, or indifference

Derived Forms

• ˌsuperˈciliousness, noun
• ˌsuperˈciliously, adverb

Other Words From

• super·cili·ous·ly adverb
• super·cili·ous·ness noun
• unsu·per·cili·ous adjective
• unsu·per·cili·ous·ly adverb
• unsu·per·cili·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of supercilious¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin superciliōsus; supercilium, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of supercilious¹

C16: from Latin superciliōsus, from supercilium eyebrow; see superciliary

Example Sentences

Even FOX News has called out the Republicans for their supercilious stupidity.

From Salon

But I have to say it's very fitting that a supercilious centrist group like No Labels would deliver the death blow to American democracy.

From Salon

LB has few prospects — and certainly is not interested in pompous developer Darcy Wong, who is as supercilious as he is wealthy.

From Los Angeles Times

You wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of this supercilious glance.

From Washington Post

How does a supercilious, uncharismatic billionaire bully attract a horde of ardent fans?

From Salon