HYPOCRITICAL Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

hypocritical

adjective

ˌhi-pə-ˈkri-ti-kəl

Definition of hypocritical

as in fake

not being or expressing what one appears to be or express it's hypocritical to say mean things behind someone's back, and then to act nice when you want something from her

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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 hypocritical And members of these new churches were mostly not the black-dressed, hypocritical, sour-faced, monocultural figures favored by popular narrative, but often included colorful figures who were sometimes surprisingly modern in their desires. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026 There is something deeply hypocritical about discovering and using the language of women’s liberation only when your own status, reputation, or income is at stake. — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026 That some people in these industries, including those who are well paid, would look at our economy and seek out other ways of doing things is neither hypocritical nor surprising. — Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026 Some players cited the league’s partnerships with sports betting companies as hypocritical or even laying the foundation for this sort of scandal. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypocritical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypocritical

Adjective

When Lee gets to the visitation window, there’s a fake Mekko sitting across from him.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
The fake image was attention-grabbing, shady, and timely — in other words, perfect for social media virality but a potential liability for the parties involved.

— Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

Travel and tech accessories include a multi zip case, passport sleeve, double zip wash bag, small laptop case, large flat card holder, key ring with leather strap, and sunglasses case.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Sal Frelick robbed Freddie Freeman of a double with a nice running catch in the right center field gap, but an error on a pickoff attempt at first base brought Edman in to score.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of double

Adjective

Over the next two games, defenses stopped Baugh in his tracks, limiting him to just 72 yards on 27 carries and a meaningless TD late in a 38-19 loss to South Carolina.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
The point is that in this new format, games that take place in September, or even early October, will feel more meaningless than ever.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of meaningless

Adjective

Tyson is at once scary, funny, personable, distasteful, introspective, superficial, articulate and incoherent.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Officers arrived at Harrison's room at the Great Wolf Lodge and noticed bleeding cuts on her left wrist and superficial punctures on her neck, the criminal complaint said.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of superficial

Adjective

Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.

— Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
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

Definition of lip

Adjective

Leigh feared the tracks might be too arch, too pretentious, too insincere.

— Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
After the ceremony, Lewandowski spoke to Polish football show Moc Futbolu and reportedly labeled Messi’s Ballon d’Or speech as insincere.

— Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of insincere

Adjective

Raman’s tendency to rethink her policy decisions has also contributed to her strained relations with her council colleagues, nearly all of whom are backing the mayor’s reelection bid.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
French bond woes Yields on French government bonds have surged to multiyear highs in recent days, as the country's mounting debt crisis fuels wider concerns about Europe's strained public finances.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

Ranging in diameter from 1 to 3 millimeters, each FiberMotor is in fact composed of two concentric hollow polymer fibers – a wider one on the outside, with a narrower one nested inside of it.

— Ben Coxworth October 11, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026
Sealed inside the crust, the wood slowly decomposed, leaving hollow molds.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of hollow

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“Hypocritical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypocritical. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hypocritical

adjective

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