self-appointed
Named by oneself
Self-appointed describes someone who has assumed a role or title without being chosen by others or any legitimate authority.
The term carries a dismissive or critical edge—a self-appointed expert lacks credentials, a self-appointed guardian of morality nobody asked for.
It suggests presumption rather than earned status.
Not formally recognized
- unsanctionedNot officially permitted
- unelectedNot chosen by voters
- unaccreditedLacking official authorization
- unlicensedWithout official permit
unratified · undesignated · illegitimate · uncredentialed · unrecognized · unendorsed · unapproved · informal
Intrusive meddler
- meddlerOne who interferes uninvited
- buttinskyIntrusive meddler in others' affairs
- kibitzerOne who meddles uninvited
- intermeddlerOne who interferes uninvited
snoop · nosy · interfering · prying · invasive · obtrusive · unwelcome · uninvited
Illegal power seizer
- pretenderIllegitimate claimant to power
- impostorOne feigning another's identity
- interloperOne who enters uninvited
- encroacherOne who intrudes gradually
intruder · gatecrashing · commandeering · seizing · supplanting · displacing · ousting · coup
Excessively high self-regard
- audaciousRecklessly or disrespectfully fearless
- brazenShamelessly bold
- impertinentRudely presumptuous
- overconfidentExcessively sure of oneself
forward · high-handed · pushy · intrusive · meddlesome · officious · overreaching · assuming
Favoring absolute control
- domineeringAggressively asserting control
- dictatorialImposing absolute control
- bossyToo fond of directing others
- overbearingArrogantly dominating in manner
autocratic · tyrannical · despotic · imperious · heavy-handed · micromanaging · controlling · overlord
Obsessed with one's image
- conceitedExcessively proud of oneself
- vainExcessively proud or futile
- pompousAffectedly grand in manner
- smugExcessively self-satisfied
egotistical · grandiose · hubristic · boastful · swaggering
unofficial
Not formally recognized
- unsanctionedNot officially permitted
- unelectedNot chosen by voters
- unaccreditedLacking official authorization
unlicensed · unratified · undesignated · illegitimate · uncredentialed · unrecognized · unendorsed · unapproved · informal · impromptu
busybody
Intrusive meddler
- meddlerOne who interferes uninvited
- buttinskyIntrusive meddler in others' affairs
- kibitzerOne who meddles uninvited
intermeddler · snoop · nosy · interfering · prying · invasive · obtrusive · unwelcome · uninvited · officious
usurper
Illegal power seizer
- pretenderIllegitimate claimant to power
- impostorOne feigning another's identity
- interloperOne who enters uninvited
encroacher · intruder · gatecrashing · commandeering · seizing · supplanting · displacing · ousting · coup · takeover
arrogant
Excessively high self-regard
- audaciousRecklessly or disrespectfully fearless
- brazenShamelessly bold
- impertinentRudely presumptuous
overconfident · forward · high-handed · pushy · intrusive · meddlesome · officious · overreaching · assuming · bumptious
authoritarian
Favoring absolute control
- domineeringAggressively asserting control
- dictatorialImposing absolute control
- bossyToo fond of directing others
overbearing · autocratic · tyrannical · despotic · imperious · heavy-handed · micromanaging · controlling · overlord · strongman
narcissistic
Obsessed with one's image
- conceitedExcessively proud of oneself
- vainExcessively proud or futile
- pompousAffectedly grand in manner
smug · egotistical · grandiose · hubristic · boastful · swaggering
self-appointedelected
Chosen by ballot
appointed · authorized · nominated · authorised · designated
self-appointedofficial
Authority-sanctioned person or status
legitimate · sanctioned · recognized · acknowledged · accredited
self, appoint, appointment, appointed, appointments, self-select, self-selection