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.
Wright was known to be arrogant, and his self-importance is on full display here. — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026 The problem is when the self-importance of festival political activism crosses wires with these horror nerds. — Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026 Less of a reboot than a shameless do-over, Marc Webb‘s first Spider-Man film tells a more protracted origin story, with half the fun and twice the self-importance (the film earns a rare dead-dad hat trick). — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026 What remains intact across all versions of Cady is a devilish sense of humor and a lack of self-importance. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 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 20 Oct. 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
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