hypocrisy

[hi-pok-ruh-see] / hɪˈpɒk rə si /

NOUN

deceitfulness, pretense

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bigotry deceit deception dishonesty duplicity fraud insincerity mockery

STRONG

affectation cant casuistry display dissembling dissimulation double-dealing falsity glibness imposture irreverence lie pietism quackery sanctimoniousness sanctimony speciousness unctuousness

WEAK

bad faith false profession lip service pharisaicalness pharisaism phoniness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fairness frankness honesty openness trustworthiness truth truthfulness uprightness

WEAK

forthrightness righteousness sincerity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There is a particular kind of hypocrisy so brazen, so cartoonishly on-the-nose, that it almost defies satire.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

"I have not seen so much hypocrisy in his criticism for a long time, and from all sides," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

It is worse than hypocrisy, because they seek to deceive not only others but themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

That hypocrisy is so obvious even if it’s still devastating.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

The hypocrisy of it made me so angry!

From "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose