sanctimony

[sangk-tuh-moh-nee] / ˈsæŋk təˌmoʊ ni /

NOUN

hypocrisy

Synonyms

STRONG

affectation bigotry cant casuistry deceit deception dishonesty display dissembling dissimulation double-dealing duplicity falsity fraud glibness imposture insincerity irreverence lie mockery pietism quackery sanctimoniousness speciousness unctuousness

WEAK

bad faith false profession lip service pharisaicalness pharisaism phoniness tartuffery two-facedness

Antonyms

STRONG

fairness forthrightness frankness honesty openness respect trustworthiness truth truthfulness uprightness

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.

He carried his profound decency very lightly without a hint of sanctimony.

From BBC • Jul. 24, 2023

It’s hard to come to terms with the fatuous sanctimony of Romney’s argument.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2023

Also, sanctimony — like bigotry — causes engagement through argument.

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2022

The Economist’s “Schumpeter” columnist notes that sanctimony accompanies such “financial do-goodery.”

From Washington Post • Jun. 22, 2022

She wrote about the tendency of Nigerian women to give advice, sincere advice dense with sanctimony.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie