sanctimonious
What does "sanctimonious" mean?
The term "sanctimonious" describes someone who acts as if they are morally superior to others, often in a hypocritical or insincere way. The mental image is of a person standing on a high pedestal, looking down at everyone else with a smug expression, pretending to be a saint while their own actions don't quite match their preaching. It is primarily used in formal or critical contexts to call out someone’s false piety. It is often paired with words like "attitude," "lecture," or "nonsense," and it is almost always a negative label used to criticize someone for being self-righteous rather than genuinely virtuous.
"sanctimonious" in conversation
Discussing a judgmental coworker
Did you hear Mark's lecture on punctuality today?
Did you hear Mark's lecture on punctuality today?
Yes, it was so sanctimonious considering he showed up twenty minutes late yesterday.
Yes, it was so sanctimonious considering he showed up twenty minutes late yesterday.
Used to highlight the hypocrisy of someone preaching about a standard they fail to meet.
Critiquing a politician
I really can't stand his latest speech about community values.
I really can't stand his latest speech about community values.
I agree. It felt completely sanctimonious, just a way to deflect from the current scandal.
I agree. It felt completely sanctimonious, just a way to deflect from the current scandal.
Used to describe a display of morality that feels like a calculated political tactic.
"sanctimonious" in a sentence
He gave a sanctimonious speech about honesty while hiding the truth.
He gave a sanctimonious speech about honesty while hiding the truth.
Don't be so sanctimonious; we have all made mistakes in the past.
Don't be so sanctimonious; we have all made mistakes in the past.
The author’s sanctimonious tone made it difficult to sympathize with his otherwise valid arguments.
The author’s sanctimonious tone made it difficult to sympathize with his otherwise valid arguments.
