online vocabulary.com

Sanctimoniously - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Sanctimoniously means behaving in a way that shows false or exaggerated righteousness, often with a hypocritical tone. It describes someone who acts morally superior while judging others.

sanctimoniously

/sæŋkˈtɪmoʊniəsli/ /sæŋkˈtɪməniəsli/

Definition:

Acting morally superior in a hypocritical or self-righteous manner.

Synonyms:

self-righteously, hypocritically, piously, holier-than-thou

Part of Speech:

adverb

Antonyms:

humbly, sincerely

Common Collocations:

speak sanctimoniously, act sanctimoniously, sound sanctimoniously

Derivatives:

sanctimony, sanctimoniousness

Usage Tips:

Use to describe someone who displays false piety or moral superiority insincerely.

Common Phrases:

holier-than-thou attitude, false piety, moral posturing

Etymology:

Derived from Latin "sanctimonia" (holiness) with the suffix "-ious," implying excessive or hypocritical virtue.

Examples:

  • 1. He spoke sanctimoniously about charity but never donated himself.
  • 2. She rolled her eyes at his sanctimoniously delivered lecture on honesty.
  • 3. The politician’s sanctimoniously worded apology fooled no one.
  • 4. They criticized others sanctimoniously while ignoring their own flaws.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS