22 Smart Comebacks to Shut Down Those Pesky Know-It-Alls Everyone Hates
Sometimes, dealing with someone who thinks they’re the smartest person in the room can be more than just irritating—it’s exhausting. You don’t have to stand there while they grandstand, though.
With the right comebacks, you can put them in their place without breaking a sweat. These 22 witty, sharp responses will shut down anyone trying to outsmart you, leaving them speechless and reminding them that true intelligence isn’t about showing off.
1. “Oh, I didn’t realize we were playing ‘Who’s Got the Bigger Ego.’ You win!”
This one lets them know you're not impressed by their show of intelligence and puts their arrogance front and center.
2. “I’d agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong.”
A classic and effective way to dismiss their argument while implying they’re already off the mark.
3. “You must be right; after all, no one else is as good at making things up.”
Subtly calls out their tendency to act like they know everything, even when they don’t.
4. “I’m impressed by your ability to always be wrong with such confidence.”
A sharp jab that lets them know their self-assurance is misguided.
5. “Funny, I had the same thought, then I did some research.”
This phrase points out that their ‘smart’ opinion may lack substance, while you’ve done your homework.
6. “You’ve got a great point—too bad it’s completely irrelevant.”
Acknowledging their effort but immediately cutting it down with a dose of reality.
7. “Wow, your ability to oversimplify complex things is truly amazing.”
This sarcastic response highlights how they dumb down topics just to seem knowledgeable.
8. “I’d love to hear more, but I can only handle so much nonsense in one day.”
This response quickly and sharply puts an end to their long-winded ‘smart talk.’
9. “It’s impressive how you turn every conversation into a TED Talk no one asked for.”
A witty way to call them out for hijacking the conversation with their arrogance.
10. “I didn’t know we were still using that logic. What century are you from again?”
Questions their outdated thinking while hinting that their views might be a little behind the times.
11. “I can see why you think that… if you stopped reading after the first sentence.”
This line hints that they might be surface-level thinkers, while you’re deeper in the know.
12. “Ah, you’re one of those people who thinks being loud equals being right.”
Shuts down their attempt to dominate the conversation by pointing out their volume doesn’t reflect intelligence.
13. “If only arrogance were intelligence, you’d be a genius.”
A sharp but witty way to call out their overinflated ego.
14. “It’s cute how you think that’s the whole story.”
This phrase belittles their opinion without being overtly confrontational.
15. “Interesting theory—too bad reality doesn’t agree.”
This comeback dismantles their argument while implying they’re out of touch with actual facts.
16. “If I had a nickel for every time you were wrong, I’d be a millionaire by now.”
This playful yet cutting remark highlights just how often they miss the mark.
17. “Congratulations, you’ve officially won the gold medal in missing the point.”
A quick and sharp dismissal that lets them know their ‘intelligence’ is actually missing the mark.
18. “You’ve definitely got the confidence of someone who skimmed the Wikipedia page.”
Implying they’ve only scratched the surface, this line jabs at their superficial knowledge.
19. “Oh, I get it now—you’re confusing being opinionated with being intelligent.”
A clever and direct way to call them out for mistaking strong opinions for actual intelligence.
20. “Your argument is like a broken pencil: pointless.”
Simple, direct, and sharp enough to cut through any pretentiousness.
21. “I’d argue with you, but I prefer not to engage with amateurs.”
This one-liner elevates your status in the conversation while putting them in their place.
22. “I’ll let you have this one—it’s clear you need a win today.”
A final jab that gives them the ‘victory,’ but only because you’ve chosen to give it, not because they deserve it.
