hypocrisy

noun

hi-ˈpä-krə-sē How to pronounce hypocrisy (audio)
Definition of hypocrisynext
as in deception
the pretending of having virtues, principles, or beliefs that one in fact does not have the hypocrisy of people who claim to care about the environment but ride around in gas-guzzlers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hypocrisy Critics see hypocrisy in these hospitals’ efforts to cater to the well-off. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026 That these sort of games, with their duplicity, hypocrisies and teary moments of tenderness, are popular is beyond question, and that is certainly how viewers are invited to watch. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 The title references an Islamic hadith that is meant to shine a light on Ali’s character’s moral hypocrisies and the religious fanatics who surround him in the film. — John Ross, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026 Julien’s pursuit of greatness leads him down a path where love, pride and hypocrisy collide… with tragic consequences. — Ed Meza, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypocrisy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypocrisy
  1. deception
  2. deceit
  3. deceptiveness
  4. insincerity
  5. deceitfulness
  6. affectation
Noun
  • Hosted by Alan Cumming, the social deduction game follows a group of contestants (who are sometimes celebrities) engaging in a Mafia or Werewolf-style game of deception.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • With shifting alliances and deception, only the most calculating player will survive to win it all, per the logline.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • The best way Ray can think of to do so is to tail her shady husband, Dom (Bobby Cannavale) — all the way into a sordid (but still vaguely family-friendly) web of deceit, murder, blackmail and gangland drama.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
  • These rosy reveries gradually darken as Wilde remembers succumbing to hedonism, deceit, debt, and disgrace.
    — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceit
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • It was made that much worse when several cast members laughed at her insincerity and Maddi Reese interrupted it several times because there was a stray cat nearby that terrified her.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • Allen’s combo of flip insincerity and kindly concern is a terrific treat, recalling Bill Murray at his doofy best.
    — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
Definition of insincerity
Noun
  • Antisocial personality includes a persistent pattern of traits such as callousness, lack of concern, deceitfulness, and irresponsibility, Ryan said.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Perfidy — from the French perfidie via the Latin perfidia — means deceitfulness, treachery or a breach of faith or promise.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of deceitfulness
Noun
  • With rare exceptions, EV sound is little more than an affectation.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Robinhood's banking product arrived with private-bank affectations, estate planning, event access, cash to the door, priced at $5 a month inside a bundle a 30-year-old already pays for.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of affectation

Browse Nearby Words

hypocorisms
hypocrisy
hypocrite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypocrisy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypocrisy. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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