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Showing results for sanctimonious. Search instead for sanctimonio.
Definitions

sanctimonious

[sangk-tuh-moh-nee-uhs] / ˌsæŋk təˈmoʊ ni əs /
ADJECTIVE
self-righteous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hypocritical insincere pious self-satisfied smug stuffy
WEAK
Pecksniffian bigoted canting deceiving false goody-goody holier-than-thou pharisaical pietistic preachy unctuous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
forthright honest open sincere unsure
WEAK
humble meek modest

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.

And their sanctimonious approach to history becomes very tiresome very quickly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

I dig that kind of culpability: a film that doesn’t point sanctimonious fingers but insists we’re all to blame.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2025

"It would be so sanctimonious without any humour in it."

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2025

Somewhat sanctimonious and totally brazen, they solidified my status and signified that I had “made it” as an athlete.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2024

The Morning Herald, sanctimonious as ever, editorialized: There is a proper course in protesting substandard housing, and Operation Breakthrough would have been well advised to have counseled the Edgemont Community Council to follow it.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson