self-importance

noun

self-im·​por·​tance ˌself-im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s How to pronounce self-importance (audio)
-tən(t)s
Synonyms of self-importancenext
1
: an exaggerated estimate of one's own importance : self-conceit
2
: arrogant or pompous behavior

Synonyms of self-importance

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Examples of self-importance in a Sentence

the boxer's flamboyant self-importance often made for a colorful prefight press conference her overbearing self-importance has given her a sense of entitlement
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
We’d sometimes get threatened, and that only inflated our self-importance. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Late-night show hosts now have an attitude of self-importance, congratulating themselves for their work. — Andrea Ruth, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025 Each one becomes a part of the fabric of Fashion Week, but their disparate problems are a far cry from the glitzy event’s self-importance. — Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Season four course-corrected somewhat, but its hard embrace of a bleeding-heart sentimentality around found families and the power of food smacked of self-importance. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-importance

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-importance was in 1727

Rhymes for self-importance

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Browse Nearby Words

self-immolation
self-importance
self-important
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Cite this Entry

“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-importance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

self-importance

noun
self-im·​por·​tance
ˌsel-fim-ˈpȯrt-ᵊn(t)s, 
-ən(t)s
: an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance
self-important
-ᵊnt, 
-ənt
adjective
self-importantly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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