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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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

When the Followers began, healthcare on the Western frontier was primitive, unsanitary and riddled with con artists peddling fake cures.

— Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
One is the behavior Mythos engaged in, which included spinning up fake GitHub accounts, and, in at least one case, impersonating a real software developer, to try to convince Demir to drop his objections to the dangerous code.

— Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

In its breathless finale, Curry races through the mansion reconstructing every murder, flinging himself through doors and corridors while maintaining the verbal precision of a stage actor performing at double speed.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
The optional 18-way sport seats fitted to this test car are another reminder that the GT3 is meant to live a double life of sorts.

— Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of double

Adjective

But for a college freshman with a Venmo balance and a favorite team, the distinction is meaningless.

— Emily Stack, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
On the surface to the casual fan, Saturday night’s preseason game between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals was a meaningless exhibition smack-dab in the middle of one of the toughest months of the year for football fans.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of meaningless

Adjective

The privileges of Jover’s life appear entirely superficial, even a bit alien, when contrasted with her granddaughter’s narrative thread.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
So, when the next challenge arises, managers can move past superficial symptoms and identify the underlying organizational roadblocks.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 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

Some are dealing with strained budgets and exorbitant medical bills, while others avoid the doctor in fear of the cost.

— Ali Swenson, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Based on a Naver Webtoon of the same name that has amassed almost 3 billion views, the 10-part series follows the strained relationship of the Empress Navier and her husband Emperor Sovieshu.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

The small seeds feed hungry songbirds in autumn and the hollow stems provide nesting sites for native bees over winter.

— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
The acclaimed writer Rachel Cusk’s controversial new novel Life of M is an intimate, unvarnished character study of an A-list movie star who is depicted as hollow, immature and cynical, an intellectual poseur and an artist wannabe.

— Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of hollow

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“Hypocritical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypocritical. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hypocritical

adjective

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