Supercilious describes someone who seems too proud, too confident, or openlyin a way that is visible or not hidden from others disdainfulshowing a strong lack of respect or admiration for others toward other people. It can also describe a look, smile, or tone that shows contempta feeling that someone or something is worthless or beneath respect.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Pronunciation

AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).

Accent: General American English

IPA: /ˌsuːpərˈsɪliəs/

Easy pronunciation: soo-pər-SIL-ee-əs (approximate spelling).

Stress: Primary stress is on the third syllable, SIL. The first syllable has secondary stress.

Use this adjective for the main sense: having or showing arrogant superiority and disdain for others.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Supercilious Meaning

too proud and looking down on others

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: having or showing arrogant superiority and disdain for people seen as unworthy

Example: She gave him a supercilious look and walked away.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• disdainful — Works well for the main sense of looking down on others.
• haughty — A close everyday synonym for arrogant and superior behavior.
• imperious — Close in sense, though it often suggests a more commanding attitude.
• lordly — Can fit when someone acts as if they are above others.
• overbearing — Fits when the arrogance comes across as pushy or domineering.
• prideful — Works when the emphasis is on excessive pride.
• sniffy — Informal; works for a snobbish, condescending attitude.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Other Meanings of Supercilious

Meaning 2

showing scorn or contempt

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: expressive of contempt

Example: He gave a supercilious smile when the proposal was mentioned.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• sneering — A strong match when the word describes a look, smile, or tone.
• snide — Can work when the contempt is shown in a cutting or mocking way.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Supercilious Synonyms

Similar Meaning

• disdainful
• haughty
• sniffy

showing contempt or scorn

• sneering
• snide

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Common Mistakes

• Using supercilious to mean simply confident or self-assured. It usually suggests looking down on other people.
• Mixing it up with swaggering, which is more about bold, showy confidence than contempt.
• Using it for general rudeness when the stronger idea is superiority and disdain.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does supercilious mean in simple English?

It means acting too proud and looking down on other people, often in a way that seems contemptuous.

Is supercilious a negative word?

Yes. It usually criticizes someone for being arrogant, snobbish, or disdainful.

What are good synonyms for supercilious?

Good synonyms include haughty, disdainful, overbearing, and sneering, depending on the sense.

Can supercilious describe a facial expression?

Yes. It often describes a smile, look, or tone that shows contempt.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.