Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
sanctimonious
Adjective
/sæŋk.tɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs/
Definition
Making a show of being morally superior to other people.
Examples
- She gave a sanctimonious lecture about the importance of recycling, despite rarely doing it herself.
- The sanctimonious tone of his speech annoyed many in the audience who preferred sincerity over pretentiousness.
Meaning
Sanctimonious describes someone who pretends to be very holy or morally right, often in a hypocritical way.
Synonyms
- Self-righteous
- Pious
- Holier-than-thou
