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sanctimonious

[sangk-tuh-moh-nee-uhs] / ˌsæŋk təˈmoʊ ni əs /


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.

Our TV critic called the documentary static, slow and sanctimonious when it was released last fall and said watching it is as “numbing as a winter at Fort Ticonderoga.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

Tradwives and mommy bloggers are characterized by a cartoonishly slick and sanctimonious femininity; they perform choreographed dances with obedient children, bake sourdough bread, offer prayers and affiliate codes in the same breath.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Dahlia Lithwick: In your article, you draw out the fact that lawyers are extremely uneasy about invoking the language of morality, because morality is either too malleable or just sanctimonious and annoying.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

But Lucy Theo, a psychotherapist, counsellor and mother is urging parents to resist the "sanctimonious" idea that screens are inherently harmful.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

Nurse Cramer was there, though, and sizzled with sanctimonious anger like a damp firecracker.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller




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