Synonyms of hypocritical

hypocritical

adjective

ˌhi-pə-ˈkri-ti-kəl 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fake
• double
• meaningless
• superficial
• lip
• insincere
• strained
• hollow
• pretended
• artificial
• unnatural
• backhanded
• pious
• counterfeit
• unctuous
• phony
• false
• dishonest
• two-faced
• mechanical
• feigned
• jive
• phony-baloney
• assumed
• affected
• mealy
• double-faced
• Janus-faced
• empty
• deceitful
• mealymouthed
• double-dealing
• forced
• contrived
• Pecksniffian
• left-handed
• untruthful
• glib
• sanctimonious
• sham
• simulated
• devious
• claptrap
• facile
• pharisaical
• put-on
• facetious
• bogus
• self-righteous
• jocular
• tongue-in-cheek
• campy
• simon-pure
• canting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sincere
• honest
• genuine
• artless
• candid
• heartfelt
• unfeigned
• direct
• plain
• frank
• open
• forthright
• straightforward
• undesigning
• heart-to-heart

Example Sentences

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