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

Relevance

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 The article highlights the hypocrisy of promoting regenerative farming while allowing glyphosate, a probable carcinogen, which undermines soil health and human well-being. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 As the saying goes, hypocrisy is the tribute that vice pays to virtue. — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 White has no fear of the specific online, naming names and calling out brazen hypocrisies in his posts. — David Fricke, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026 There’s an inherent hypocrisy about enjoying being a Los Angeleno. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 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
  • Recent history suggests that the only effective counter to such meddling is a public statement alerting voters to the deception, by some credibly neutral, nonpartisan authority.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Peter trying to have a normal holiday while grieving Tony, Mysterio’s deception, and the post-credits scene that blows Peter’s life apart — all of it feeds into where the new film finds him.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • When Gianni Infantino was chosen to replace Sepp Blatter as president of FIFA, he was seen as a reformer, someone who would bring transparency and openness to soccer’s international governing body, which had long been mired in scandal and deceit.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In my view, to tell the story of America’s founding without referencing these profound scars is akin to deceit, if not complicity.
    — Jacob Ware, The Conversation, 31 July 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
  • Assemble a scrapbook or photo album to curate your personal affectations, trinkets, and memories.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
  • The steering wheel is flat at the top and bottom—a race-car affectation that feels correct in here—and has a button for the Boost function and another to adjust the aero, but is otherwise refreshingly simple.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on hypocrisy

Nglish: Translation of hypocrisy for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of torpor

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All