insincere

adjective

in·​sin·​cere ˌin-sin-ˈsir 

-sən-

: not sincere : hypocritical

insincerely adverb

insincerity

ˌin-sin-ˈser-ə-tē 

also -ˈsir-

noun

Synonyms of insincere

• fake
• meaningless
• superficial
• double
• hypocritical
• lip
• hollow
• phony
• strained
• artificial

Examples of insincere in a Sentence

He said he was sorry, but I could tell that he was being insincere.

the insincere compliments of a spiteful gossip

Recent Examples on the Web

The kind of careerist and insincere quality of it just immediately seeps through. —Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 18 Nov. 2025

That there are hosts who prefer to provide all the refreshments — or are infuriated to have others messing in their kitchens — is dismissed as insincere politeness. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2025

Michelle comes across as an outright villain at first, talking almost exclusively in chilly, insincere corporate speak and treating her employees with passive-aggressive disregard. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025

However, Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, felt Lorincz’s courtroom apology was insincere. —Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin insincerus, from in- + sincerus sincere

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insincere

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

Kids Definition

insincere

adjective

in·​sin·​cere ˌin(t)-sin-ˈsi(ə)r 

: not sincere : hypocritical

insincerely adverb

insincerity

-ˈser-ət-ē 

also -ˈsir-

noun