1
as in to boast
to praise or express pride in one's own possessions, qualities, or accomplishments often to excess
I, too, would swagger if I'd won first place in the bowling tournament
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to strut
to walk with exaggerated arm and leg movements
hoping to impress the women at the bar, the young man confidently swaggered across the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in chic
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in bravado
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 swagger
Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
With that, the trio of Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas come swaggering and smiling from the wings, strolling to the tip of a catwalk together, the professional differences that splintered their brotherly union for a spell neatly compartmentalized for 2 ½-hours of polished pop digested by adoring fans.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
In Iowa State’s five wins, QB Rocco Becht has hung tough in the pocket but also showed swagger extending plays.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2025
And Rose City Band’s Sol y Sombra quietly became my unofficial drive-time gospel this year, all JJ Cale ease and those honeyed, unhurried guitar tones that glide with a faint Lou Reed New Sensations swagger.
—Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swagger
Verb
On it, Sombr elevates the bedroom pop of his earlier work, giving it a more muscular, swaggering sound.
—Adjective
For a guy who claimed to be insecure about his vocal prowess, Ace is all swagger, peacocking his way through the city with a fistful of dollars and wicked ladies pursuing him.
—Noun
The Breakfast Inn A name like The Breakfast Inn comes baked in with some swagger.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for swagger
Verb
-
This single-story home boasts a generous living space with four bedrooms and two baths.—
-
Both nations boast vast petroleum reserves and extensive mineral wealth, long positioning themselves as anti-imperialist adversaries of the US.—
Verb
-
Weeks later, the Colombian superstar was strutting the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in October.—
-
At this coastal resort in Carlsbad, arriving pets are given neckerchiefs before strutting the grounds.—
Adjective
-
Schutz Tyche Cow-Print Loafers Durable leather loafers are the best alternative to flats in the slushy winter months, and this Schutz cow print pair will make for a chic pop of print.—
-
Spanx AirEssentials Slim Straight Pant When worn with the Crewneck Tunic, these pants complete a chic matching set look that will upgrade your travel style tenfold.—
Noun
-
Brash bravado when extreme caution is required can be fatal.—
-
As the miles stack up and the rules tighten (three warnings, then you’re shot), Jonsson charts the slow erosion of bravado into something far more fragile.—
Verb
-
Putin has bragged that Oreshnik's multiple warheads plunge at rates of up to ten times the speed of sound and can't be intercepted, and that several of them used in a conventional strike could be as devastating as a nuclear attack.—
-
But is that really something to brag about?—
Verb
-
The president strode into office with a promise to turn the page on America’s decades of foreign entanglements.—
-
Ironically, the biggest chance of the game came from his replacement, Josko Gvardiol, who strode forward unmarked to meet a cross that was excellently saved by Robin Roefs, finding himself in the penalty area on multiple occasions after coming on.—
Adjective
-
The clean double-breasted buttons instantly add elegance to your airport outfit, especially when paired with a matching Amazon Essentials Turtleneck and sleek black Libin Wide-leg Dress Pants to keep you warm and comfortable from takeoff to arrival.—
-
Take a cue from Nicole Kidman and swap bulky trainers for a sleeker option that styles effortlessly from the plane to wherever the day takes you.—
Noun
-
Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach take turns transforming into floating marketplaces — docks converted to catwalks, hulls polished to reflective arrogance, sales reps who can quote fuel burn like yacht owners care about costs.—
-
College football is awash in problems, including the Big Ten’s unrivaled arrogance, and its never-ending list of demands that would make Notre Dame blush.—
Cite this Entry
“Swagger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swagger. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share