Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hypocritical

adjective
/ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkəl/
Definition
Pretending to have certain beliefs, opinions, or virtues that one does not actually possess.
Examples
  • His hypocritical remarks about honesty seemed insincere.
  • Many young people criticized the government’s hypocritical policies on climate change.
  • She was tired of his hypocritical attitude, always preaching about kindness while being rude to others.
Meaning
Hypocritical behavior involves claiming to hold moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform.
Synonyms
  • Insincere
  • Two-faced
  • Deceitful
  • Duplicitous
  • Phony