sanctimony

noun

sanc·​ti·​mo·​ny ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce sanctimony (audio)
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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sanctimony.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French sanctimonie, from Latin sanctimonia, from sanctus

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanctimony was in 1534

Dictionary Entries Near sanctimony

Cite this Entry

“Sanctimony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanctimony. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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