cavalier 1 of 2

adjective

ˌka-və-ˈlir How to pronounce cavalier (audio)
Definition of cavaliernext
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude a cavalier and pompous boss, indifferent to the feelings of her subordinates

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cavalier

2 of 2

noun

as in gentleman
an honorable and courteous man a novel about the dashing cavaliers and gracious ladies of the South before the Civil War

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cavalier
Adjective
The fact that anyone at the top is shocked by snaking security lines at airports is of a piece with the administration’s rather cavalier approach to contingency planning. — Juliette Kayyem, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 The Nuggets were particularly cavalier with second-rounders in the 2024 offseason, which turned out to be Booth’s last at the helm. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 June 2026 This cavalier attitude toward urban planning has been conjoined to a disingenuousness in the discussion of City Hall’s fate. — Mark Lamster architecture Critic, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026 Later, in a conference room, Pathak and Gupta explained that their seemingly cavalier attitude toward robot welfare was actually motivated by concern for human safety. — Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cavalier
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cavalier
  1. arrogant
  2. gentleman
  3. superior
  4. pompous
Adjective
  • West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.
    — David j. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.
    — Charles Moss, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Definition of arrogant
Noun
  • For most of the 20th century, a gentleman’s agreement held that no building in Philadelphia rose higher than the brim of William Penn’s hat — the 37-foot bronze likeness of the city’s founder that stands atop City Hall.
    — Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Waving and smiling, Aveiro, accompanied by a burly gentleman, takes a seat at a table bedecked with a bouquet of roses, ready to tuck into some cuisine from her native country.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of gentleman
Adjective
  • The notable summer development, to this point, has been the Dolphins’ lack of interest in adding superior outside options at safety, edge and cornerback.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • This chip enables advanced on-device AI for superior active noise cancellation, focusing on isolating human speech and handling dynamic sounds.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of superior
Adjective
  • Among them a City boy wearing three Fit-Bit-type devices, two beautiful Middle Eastern sisters, an outrageously pompous elderly American (sorry; eavesdropping), and several Imelda Marcos lookalikes, tottering out of the treatment rooms with, somehow, their elaborate hairstyles still intact.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Far from being arty or pompous, Tull laced its sound with a wicked sense of humor and occasional social commentary.
    — Ernesto Lechner, SPIN, 25 May 2026
Definition of pompous

Browse Nearby Words

cavalcades
cavalier
cavaliers
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Cite this Entry

“Cavalier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavalier. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cavalier

Nglish: Translation of cavalier for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cavalier

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