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 The public is equally free to find the position ridiculous and hypocritical, and choose to support other leagues that better represent their feelings. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026 Given Holzinger’s notoriety, and her own ironic relationship to extremes, her use of trigger warnings, posted before every performance, may seem beside the point, or even hypocritical. — Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 Bronin’s campaign argued that Larson calling out tech and private equity donations to the former mayor is hypocritical when the congressman has received his own. — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026 Earlier this month, Matsui’s campaign came after Vang for taking corporate donations from Sacramento-area businesses during her city council campaigns, implying that Vang’s vows to not accept money from corporate PACs in her congressional bid is hypocritical. — Mathew Miranda june 4, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypocritical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypocritical

Adjective

Once roles are introduced to the game, the players make a comedy meal out of loudly fake narrating what Sam is doing while they’re blindfolded.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Those who speak a password, released via social media, receive a fake business card, which does mean many a guest is standing there shouting a password at the actor.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

Ambiguity, subtext, double meanings, and metaphor course through all of them.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
And companies in the entertainment, media and tech sectors are responding by spending substantially more on CEO security, by double — and in some cases triple — digits.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of double

Adjective

On a superficial level, his plays, built around the emotional lives of his characters, can come off as a throwback to traditional realism.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Considered from one angle, the movie is superficial and conventional, zipping heedlessly between the characters without fretting about point of view, creating scenes that don’t so much illuminate characters as simply push the story along.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 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

The implication is that stage types and progressive politicians are craven, submissive, and insincere.

— Erik Forrest Jackson, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
Survivors have expressed frustration and criticized the Japanese government's support for nuclear deterrence for being insincere.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of insincere

Adjective

Crucially, the moment signified a major thaw in the strained relations between India and China, and this bilateral reconciliation is perhaps the most significant geopolitical byproduct of the summit.

— Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Larger concerns about strained military resources and funding for the war in Iran also became more pressing, as the conflict stretches into its seventh month.

— Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

Duckworth also faced backlash from critics who argued that her message was, at best, a series of hollow exhortations to simply try harder and, at worst, an insidious form of victim-blaming that ignored structural inequality.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Well, that promise now rings hollow in the ears of every TSA worker today.

— Hydrick Thomas, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of hollow

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hypocritical

hypocritically

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“Hypocritical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypocritical. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hypocritical

adjective

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