286 Another Word for Sanctimonious? – Sanctimonious Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say Sanctimonious differently? Here are other words for Sanctimonious and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of Sanctimonious

having or showing a hypocritically virtuous attitude

Etymology of Sanctimonious

The word "sanctimonious" has its roots in the Latin words "sanctimonia," meaning holiness or sanctity, and the suffix "-ous," which forms an adjective indicating a quality or state
The word originated in the 15th century and initially meant having or showing a genuine attitude of holiness or sanctity
Over time, the word took on a more negative connotation, implying hypocrisy or insincerity in one's virtuous attitude

Synonyms

self-righteous holier-than-thou pious hypocritical moralistic judgmental preachy smug superior condescending patronizing virtuous righteous godly saintly goody-goody priggish prim proper stuffy formal affected pretentious insincere fake phony duplicitous two-faced deceitful dishonest unctuous oily sycophantic obsequious servile sanctified beatific seraphic heavenly divine moral ethical principled high-minded noble honorable upright respectable decorous decent seemly becoming befitting dignified stately solemn grave serious somber austere stern strict rigorous exacting demanding fastidious meticulous scrupulous conscientious thorough painstaking careful meticulous precise exact faultless flawless impeccable irreproachable unimpeachable blameless guiltless innocent pure chaste virgin modest demure coy shy retiring humble meek mild gentle kind benevolent beneficent charitable philanthropic altruistic unselfish selfless magnanimous generous liberal munificent bountiful open-handed free-handed

Definitions

  • Having or showing a hypocritically virtuous attitude, especially when this is annoying or offensive to others
  • * Having or showing an attitude of moral superiority, often in a way that is considered annoying or offensive

Usage Examples

  • The politician's sanctimonious speech about corruption rang hollow, given his own history of shady dealings
  • * She came across as sanctimonious and self-righteous, always lecturing others on their moral failings
  • * His sanctimonious attitude towards his colleagues' personal lives was starting to grate on their nerves

Antonyms

humble modest unassuming unpretentious sincere genuine authentic honest truthful open transparent straightforward frank candid forthright unhypocritical moral ethical principled honest truthful sincere genuine authentic open transparent straightforward frank candid forthright unassuming modest unpretentious down-to-earth grounded realistic pragmatic practical sensible rational logical fair just impartial unbiased objective neutral detached uninvolved disinterested apathetic indifferent unconcerned unbothered unaffected untroubled unruffled serene calm peaceful tranquil composed collected sober serious solemn grave somber austere strict rigorous exacting demanding

Related Adjectives

moral ethical principled virtuous holy sacred sanctified righteous godly saintly

Related Nouns

morality ethics principle virtue holiness sanctity righteousness godliness saintliness piety devoutness religiosity spirituality faith belief conviction creed dogma doctrine tenet axiom maxim precept commandment law rule regulation standard norm code conduct behavior demeanor attitude posture stance position viewpoint perspective outlook mindset mentality psychology philosophy ideology theology doctrine dogma

Related Verbs

moralize preach lecture sermonize pontificate proselytize evangelize convert persuade convince influence inspire motivate encourage uplift edify enlighten educate instruct teach guide direct lead counsel advise warn caution admonish reprove rebuke scold chastise censure condemn criticize judge evaluate assess appraise estimate value rate rank compare contrast
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