What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smug
Example
He had a smug look on his face after winning the game. [smug: adjective]
Example
She felt smug about her promotion at work. [smug: adjective]
conceited
Example
He was so conceited that he never listened to anyone else's opinions. [conceited: adjective]
Example
She was accused of being conceited because she talked about herself all the time. [conceited: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conceited is less common than smug in everyday language. Smug is a more versatile word and can be used in various contexts, while conceited is a stronger word and is typically reserved for more extreme cases.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smug and conceited?
Both smug and conceited are informal words and are not typically used in formal settings. However, conceited is a stronger word and may be considered more offensive or impolite than smug.
