holier-than-thou

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.

As The Outline saliently noted in 2019, this disposition seemed to suggest a holier-than-thou elitism.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

Longtime friends lauded Hartmire’s ability to weave his community into social justice causes without coming across as holier-than-thou.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2022

Their core complaint is the court’s holier-than-thou posture, exemplified by the black robes the justices wear in public.

From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2022

“Being green is not a charitable sort of self-flagellating, holier-than-thou exercise. It’s a good business model. That’s what we’d like to show,” said Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2022

This was his regular move, a kind of holier-than-thou decision process that drove Toby nuts.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss