What is another word for sanctimonious?

Pronunciation: [sˌanktɪmˈə͡ʊnɪəs] (IPA)

Sanctimonious is a word used to describe someone who is overly self-righteous, falsely pious, or hypocritical. Some synonyms for this word include: hypocritical, insincere, pharisaic, smug, self-righteous, pietistic, affectedly holy, holier-than-thou, priggish, self-satisfied, and Pharisee-like. These words describe people who often believe they are morally superior to others, but are actually deceptive or insincere. While sanctimonious people may outwardly appear righteous, their true motivations and actions suggest a more self-interested attitude. By using synonyms like these, it helps to convey a more complex personality of an individual who may seem to hold a higher sense of morality, but is merely trying to advance their own agenda.

Synonyms for Sanctimonious:

What are the paraphrases for Sanctimonious?

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What are the hypernyms for Sanctimonious?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for sanctimonious?

The word "sanctimonious" refers to someone who is insincere or hypocritical in their display of religious devotion or moral superiority. Some possible antonyms for this word could include "humble," "authentic," "sincere," "genuine," "honest," "unaffected," or "modest." These terms describe individuals who exhibit a genuine and authentic commitment to their beliefs and values, without trying to impress or manipulate others through false displays of piety or righteousness. Whereas a sanctimonious person might use religious or moral language to gain social advantage or moral superiority, these opposing qualities suggest humility, honesty, and a deep-seated commitment to integrity and ethical principles.

What are the antonyms for Sanctimonious?

Usage examples for Sanctimonious

Instead of shrinking from the encounter, my brow contracted increasing indignation; and my voice grew louder, as I stood forth the champion of chaste virginity and sanctimonious wedlock!
"Anna St. Ives"
Thomas Holcroft
When I reached the gate of the Adair farmhouse I had to look straight over the head of a very large, sanctimonious-faced bull-dog to get a view of the vine covered porch.
"Hoosier Mosaics"
Maurice Thompson
No more was said on the subject of Sir Edwin, but when Hal was about to leave, and found that Hermon was staying on, she pursed up her lips with an air of sanctimonious disapproval and said: I don't want to hurt any one's feelings, but I'm not at all sure Mr. Hermont is quite a nice friend for you, Lorraine.
"Winding Paths"
Gertrude Page

Famous quotes with Sanctimonious

  • Can you, in a million years, imagine another female senator - Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Claire McCaskill - reacting to being called 'ma'am' like Barbara Boxer did? This is the kind of sanctimonious self-absorption on the modern left that makes my teeth itch.
    Mark Davis
  • I have a zero tolerance for sanctimonious morons who try to scare people.
    Pat Robertson
  • I have a liberal definition of news because I think news can be what excites people. I'm not very sanctimonious about what news is and isn't.
    Diane Sawyer
  • I completely scorn the falsifying, the sanctimonious, the cheap and the shoddy.
    Ralph Thomas Walker
  • Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence ... too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to the men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human, and suppose what they did to be beyond amendment.
    Thomas Jefferson

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