Diffidence and Smugness
Opposite meaning words
Diffidence
Diffidence noun - Lack of self-confidence.
Smugness is an antonym for diffidence.
Nearby Words: diffident, diffidently
Smugness
Smugness noun - An often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements.
Usage example: the sense of smugness that can come with too many easy victories
Diffidence is an antonym for smugness.
Cite this Source
Smugness and Diffidence. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/diffidence/smugness
Diffidence & Smugness. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/diffidence/smugness>.
Smugness or Diffidence. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/diffidence/smugness.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "diffidence" and "smugness" have occurred on timeline