hypocrite

noun

hyp·​o·​crite ˈhi-pə-ˌkrit How to pronounce hypocrite (audio)
1
: a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2
: a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings
hypocrite adjective

Examples of hypocrite in a Sentence

We can learn a good deal about the manners and morals of the times from Lautrec, for he was neither a hypocrite nor a sentimentalist, and there is a matter-of-fact-ness about his vision … that precludes both nostalgia and prurience. Elizabeth Cowling, Times Literary Supplement, 8 Nov. 1991
Holding up high moral, ethical, and social standards is very difficult, because if one falls short of being a perfect example, one becomes a target and a hypocrite, albeit a well-meaning one. Mark Masters et al., New Dimensions, June 1990
Of all of these things and people Cilla knew nothing, nor could he tell her, yet he tried to show interest in what she had to tell him. Once he would have been very interested. Now he felt like a hypocrite, and because he was uncomfortable he blamed it in some way on Cilla. Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943
the hypocrites who criticize other people for not voting but who don't always vote themselves
Recent Examples on the Web The group, funded by cryptocurrency investors, aired ads statewide (and hired a plane to circle the Hollywood Hills, towing a banner) that painted Porter as a hypocrite and an actor. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Bella’s infantile verbal communication, awkward motor skills, and libidinal compulsion startle Victorian hypocrites. Armond White, National Review, 23 Feb. 2024 Thirteen years later, Jeannie C. Riley would sing about the hypocrites at the Harper Valley PTA judging a single mom for her miniskirts. Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024 As a result his critics were quick to label him a hypocrite. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2024 Reflecting on the media frenzy that followed a photo of her at 16, wearing a tank top, Eilish explained that her frustration isn't with her own body but those who label her a hypocrite for changing her style. Shania Russell, EW.com, 14 Nov. 2023 Barrymore’s reps did not immediately respond to Vulture’s request for comment, but a CBS spokesperson suggested to Vanity Fair that the upcoming new episodes don’t make Barrymore a hypocrite. Vulture, 10 Sep. 2023 When Johnny Carson, who practiced a cool neutrality, returned without his writers during the 1988 strike, he wasn’t seen as a hypocrite contradicting his on-air principles. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2023 All these clown comments criticizing the early releases... these same hypocrites would be criticizing them if they hadn't been let out and the storm was destructive. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypocrite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ypocrite, borrowed from Anglo-French ipocrite, borrowed from Late Latin hypocrita, borrowed from Greek hypokritḗs "answerer, actor on a stage, pretender," from hypokri-, variant stem of hypokrī́nomai, hypokrī́nesthai "to reply, make an answer, speak in dialogue, play a part on the stage, feign" + -tēs, agent suffix — more at hypocrisy

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypocrite was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near hypocrite

Cite this Entry

“Hypocrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypocrite. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hypocrite

noun
hyp·​o·​crite ˈhip-ə-ˌkrit How to pronounce hypocrite (audio)
1
: a person who pretends to have virtues or qualities that he or she does not have
2
: a person whose actions contradict their stated beliefs or feelings
hypocritical
ˌhip-ə-ˈkrit-i-kəl
adjective
hypocritically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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