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 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 Amendments placed on the ballot by lawmakers would still need only a statewide majority — a distinction critics call hypocritical. — Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for hypocritical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypocritical

Adjective

Carmella is also still mad at Vicki for saying that Danny is raising her kids, and Heather is angry after learning that Vicki called her fake in Palm Springs.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
All are alleged to have sent investors fake account statements and communications claiming their investments were either safe and sound or growing rapidly.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

But this is an album that’s apparently about the artist’s double life, and the questions that are bound to be at the forefront of any curious listener’s mind go unaddressed.

— Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
To [React with exaggerated surprise] is to DO A DOUBLE TAKE — as in, to take out double letters (not consecutive ones, mind you).

— Sam Corbin, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of double

Adjective

Functional performance has always been counted in throughput, cost per transaction and cycle time, and those measures become close to meaningless once the routine work runs itself.

— Charisma Glassman, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
If all of City’s results are to be scrapped this season, next season, or in four seasons to come, then whatever happens in the meantime is somewhat meaningless.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of meaningless

Adjective

In the 2030s, aging party leaders living in rarefied Zhongnanhai compounds may look out and see superficial stability.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
While the two people in the vehicle were attempting to exit the vehicle though the front passenger door, the 17-year-old sustained a superficial gunshot wound to his buttock.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 3 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

Worries have been rising about the French government’s big debt and its strained budget.

— Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Giancarlo Stanton, who hasn’t played since April 24 because of strained calf muscles in both legs, remained on the 26-man roster for the best-of-five series starting Saturday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

The stranger’s hollow cheeks, his dark eyes, whose lashes always appeared wet, the bony shoulders that protruded from the singlet Chee Meng had lent him—all of it frightened Shawn.

— Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Every unfilled titanium lattice sank as water flooded its hollow channels.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of hollow

Browse Nearby Words

hypocrites

hypocritical

hypocritically

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“Hypocritical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypocritical. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hypocritical

adjective

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