as in double
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express
there was a Janus-faced quality to the interview: for all of the smiling and nodding, the interviewer's body language expressed deep boredom
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Janus-faced
Adjective
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These ones elevate the trend — pun intended — with comfortable platform soles and double side stripe appliqués.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026 -
McDonald's has made the Big Arch — a massive double-patty burger — a permanent menu item in the United Kingdom and Ireland.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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At one point, Melania is shown watching television coverage of the proceedings on CNN, apparently unconcerned that the network only traffics in fake news.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
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Authorities have said the backpack contained a ghost gun, fake IDs, a notebook and other writings detailing Mangione’s grievances against the private health care system in the United States.—
Adam Reiss,
NBC news,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.—
Essence,
Essence,
23 Nov. 2025
-
The pop of color offers a shimmer-free (rare!) means of warming up a wedding look and works equally well at lip level.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The strained awkwardness of Adelina and Alban’s gestures of generosity underscore the class disparity between the city dwellers and their relatives.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
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Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Israel were already severely strained after South Africa — a longtime supporter of the Palestinian people — accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a case at the United Nations’ top court.—
Gerald Imray,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
His fall played as tabloid morality tale, at once confirming secular suspicion about hypocritical Christians and Christian suspicions about the temptations of secular trappings.—
Sam Kestenbaum,
Vulture,
2 Jan. 2026
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And now, with several countries withdrawing from global governance, Jin thinks those lecturing China on being responsible are being hypocritical.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
14 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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And to folks unfamiliar with the IP system, that makes some superficial sense.—
David J. Kappos,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
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Whether opting for a superficial peel like a lactic or glycolic acid, a medium-depth peel such as Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), or deep treatment such as phenol, a chemical peel can address many skin concerns.—
Essence,
Essence,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Her hollow eyes and unflinching face lend Ju-Ju a gut-wrenching passivity and naivete.—
Blake Simons,
IndieWire,
26 Jan. 2026
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Values once celebrated now appear hollow and collapsed.—
Stephy Chung,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Janus-faced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Janus-faced. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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