smart-aleck 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of smart-alecknext
1
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred a talk show host who's known for his quick quips and smart-aleck observations on current events

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sarcastic
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings a smart-aleck reply that was met with a slap in the face

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smart aleck

2 of 2

noun

ˈsmärt-ˌa-lik How to pronounce smart aleck (audio)
variants also smart alec
as in wise guy
a person who likes to show off in a clever but annoying way some smart aleck in the audience kept shouting clever insults at the nervous speaker

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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 smart-aleck
Noun
With a smart aleck’s wit and a knack for clear-eyed lyrics, the Brooklyn singer is a sympathetic narrator. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 5 May 2023 Newton scored and so did backcourt mate Cam Spencer, that different style of smart aleck, who had 20. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2024 In this series launch, Billingham unveils a brash — and battered — smart aleck protagonist. — Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2023 Perry portrayed sweet, sarcastic smart aleck Chandler Bing for 10 seasons on Friends, garnering an Emmy nomination. — EW.com, 29 Oct. 2023 This fuzzy, snout-nosed, smart aleck extraterrestrial whose name was Gordon Shumway crashed in the suburban garage of the Tanner family in California after escaping from the doomed planet of Melmac, which was destroyed by nuclear war. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smart-aleck
  1. cute
  2. sarcastic
  3. wise guy
  4. flippant
  5. satiric
  6. acidic
Adjective
  • Berries, given their naturally tiny nature, are a super cute choice.
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • The pair have to find their friends (JJ included) which leads to a cute game of peekaboo.
    — Parents, Parents, 3 July 2026
Definition of cute
Adjective
  • This is taken as evidence of his status, not a sarcastic criticism.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • On Monday night, Contreras was ejected in the second inning after a check-swing strikeout prompted him to give a sarcastic ABS challenge gesture at the umpire, earning an instant boot.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Noun
  • Developed by Robbins specifically for Pompeo, Chicks follows Chickie (Pompeo) and Doreen, two estranged half-sisters who are both struggling to get by when their wise guy dad unexpectedly kicks the bucket.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 June 2026
  • Here’s a look at what each team in the NFC North has done in free agency, and how the wise guys in Las Vegas currently rank the division.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of wise guy
Adjective
  • Your method of dismissing your flippant remarks, then, is probably the next best option to silence.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Chick lit was flippant and fizzy and fun, above all, as effervescent and guiltless as a vodka soda.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 4 May 2026
Definition of flippant
Adjective
  • The script for the video was written by Casale and his longtime friend Max Papeschi, an Italian satirical artist.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
  • Staff members of the satirical magazine Leman are on trial on charges of inciting hatred over a cartoon published last year that features the Prophet Mohammed and Moses.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • Avocado, tomatillos, a serrano pepper, and lime are mixed together in just five minutes to make a bright and acidic dip that's served best with your favorite tortilla chips.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • It’s absorbed without needing food or a highly acidic environment.
    — Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 30 June 2026
Definition of acidic

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Cite this Entry

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

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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