7 Things to Say When Dealing With an Arrogant Person

Dealing with arrogant people can feel exhausting and frustrating. Whether it’s a coworker, family member, or someone you just met, their attitude can make conversations feel impossible. Learning the right words to say helps you stay calm, keep your dignity, and maybe even change the tone of the interaction.

1. I Appreciate Your Perspective

Acknowledging someone’s viewpoint doesn’t mean you agree with them.

It simply shows you’re listening and willing to engage respectfully.

Arrogant people often crave validation, so this phrase can soften their defensive walls.

When you say this, you’re taking control of the conversation without fueling their ego too much.

You’re also modeling mature communication, which might inspire them to dial back their attitude.

Sometimes, a little respect goes a long way in changing someone’s tone.

This approach keeps things civil and prevents unnecessary arguments from escalating further.

2. Can You Explain That More?

Arrogant individuals love to talk about themselves and their ideas.

By asking them to elaborate, you’re giving them a chance to reveal whether they actually know what they’re talking about.

Often, they’ll stumble or realize they don’t have all the answers.

This question also buys you time to think and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally.

It shifts the pressure back onto them without being confrontational.

You’re not challenging them directly, but you’re making them work a bit harder to prove their point.

This tactic works wonders in deflating overblown confidence.

3. I See Things Differently

Standing your ground doesn’t require aggression or raised voices.

This phrase calmly asserts your own opinion without directly attacking theirs.

It shows confidence and self-respect, which arrogant people sometimes secretly admire.

You’re not saying they’re wrong; you’re just making it clear you have your own valid perspective.

This prevents you from being steamrolled while keeping the conversation open.

It’s a polite way to disagree without starting a fight.

Plus, it reminds them that other viewpoints exist and deserve consideration too.

Confidence paired with courtesy is a powerful combination.

4. Let’s Focus on the Facts

Arrogance often thrives on exaggeration and personal opinions presented as truth.

Redirecting the conversation to actual facts can quickly deflate inflated egos.

This phrase isn’t rude, but it does demand accountability and honesty.

When you suggest sticking to facts, you’re calling out any bluffing or stretching of the truth.

It also keeps the discussion productive instead of turning into a battle of egos.

Facts are neutral and harder to argue against, which levels the playing field.

This approach works especially well in work settings or debates where accuracy matters most.

5. I Understand You Feel Strongly About This

Validating someone’s emotions can be surprisingly disarming.

Even if their arrogance is annoying, recognizing their passion shows empathy.

This doesn’t mean you’re backing down or agreeing with everything they say.

Instead, you’re acknowledging their intensity, which can lower their defenses.

People often act arrogant because they feel unheard or undervalued.

By saying this, you’re offering them the recognition they crave in a healthier way.

It can shift the dynamic from combative to collaborative surprisingly quickly.

Empathy has a strange way of melting stubbornness and pride.

6. That’s One Way to Look at It

Neutrality can be your best friend when dealing with arrogance.

This phrase neither agrees nor disagrees, which keeps you out of unnecessary conflict.

It subtly implies that other perspectives exist without being confrontational about it.

Arrogant people hate being dismissed, but this response doesn’t dismiss them—it just doesn’t feed their need for total agreement.

You’re staying calm and collected while subtly hinting that their view isn’t the only valid one.

This keeps your dignity intact and prevents you from getting sucked into pointless arguments that drain your energy and patience.

7. I Need to Think About That

Sometimes the smartest move is simply pausing the conversation.

This phrase gives you an exit without seeming rude or dismissive.

It also prevents you from saying something you might regret later.

Arrogant people often push for immediate agreement or reaction, so this response throws them off balance.

You’re taking back control by refusing to be rushed into a response.

It shows maturity and thoughtfulness, qualities that often contrast sharply with arrogance.

Plus, it gives you space to cool down and decide how or if you want to continue the conversation later on.