sanctimony

noun

sanc·​ti·​mo·​ny ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-ˌmō-nē 

plural sanctimonies

1

obsolete : holiness

2

: affected or hypocritical holiness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The sanctimony on all sides can’t hide the fact that this is a raw geopolitical argument. —David Meyer, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2023

We are disabused of contemporary journalism’s sanctimony. —Armond White, National Review, 10 June 2022

Since America’s new Great Wall is the college divide, Colleges and universities have played a key role in this sanctimony story. —Ryan Craig, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2021

In this generally sporting tam toss of a memoir, such an assertion lands with the soft plunk of sanctimony. —Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2021

The sanctimony of some greens is truly a renewable source. —Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 21 Dec. 2012

Potter’s representation of their egotistical interpersonal tension during lockdown is linked to the social-justice sanctimony of showbiz and art-film folk. —Armond White, National Review, 12 Oct. 2022

Burnham is gifted at mocking the performative liberal sanctimony of the moment as well as corporate attempts to exploit it, such as his very realistic YouTube ads that pop up below. —New York Times, 1 June 2022

And if two judges played selective sanctimony and walked off the stage? —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Feb. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

Middle French sanctimonie, from Latin sanctimonia, from sanctus

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1