Definitions

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.

It's the revenge of the mediocre, to paint sincere concern about the world as sanctimony.

From Salon • Aug. 25, 2023

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

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