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

Arch Manning's joking comments at a news conference about a fake video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe erupted in controversy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
When Geese’s Cameron Winter played a charity show under a fake name this January, TV Eye was the place to see it.

— Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

Ticketed economy and premium economy passengers who are at least 15 years old can pay $495 to book a four-hour session (no double bookings allowed).

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
The bedroom itself is a typical loft with a low ceiling and a double bed, and is accessed by the storage staircase.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of double

Adjective

Having a talent advantage is meaningless if the Horned Frogs aren’t focused on the opponent directly in front of them.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026
Eventually, my mother comes downstairs again and puts her arms around him and holds him, whispering something to him, words that to me are meaningless and incomprehensible.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of meaningless

Adjective

That sets up a meeting in which any agreements might be superficial but a possible start to something larger.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
Why Proxy Networks Are Different While proxy structure is also rented from third-party providers and serves as core infrastructure for data tasks, the resemblance is superficial at scale.

— Mindaugas Čaplinskas, Forbes.com, 14 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

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
Their questions can sometimes come across too personal, too insincere or just simply too out there.

— Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of insincere

Adjective

Harris has a strained relationship with the party's progressive wing, which includes El-Sayed, and El-Sayed is eager to solidify establishment support during his campaign against Republican nominee Mike Rogers, a former congressman.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
The nonfiction feature examines the filmmaker’s strained relationship with her father, an estrangement caused by his Oxycontin addiction.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

Every unfilled titanium lattice sank as water flooded its hollow channels.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026
According to Mason Huddleston, an urban agriculturalist at Oklahoma State University Extension, one of the plant’s most distinguishing features is its smooth, hollow stem, marked with purple or reddish-purple spots.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of hollow

Browse Nearby Words

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“Hypocritical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypocritical. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hypocritical

adjective

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