as in deception
the pretending of having virtues, principles, or beliefs that one in fact does not have
the insincerity of the family's professed concern for the environment is pretty much exposed by the gas-guzzler parked in the driveway
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Recent Examples of insincerity
It was made that much worse when several cast members laughed at her insincerity and Maddi Reese interrupted it several times because there was a stray cat nearby that terrified her.
—
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Allen’s combo of flip insincerity and kindly concern is a terrific treat, recalling Bill Murray at his doofy best.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
In an era of skepticism, audiences quickly detect insincerity.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
And as the secretive Jack, Travis Van Winkle oozes oily, sexist insincerity.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Allen’s combo of flip insincerity and kindly concern is a terrific treat, recalling Bill Murray at his doofy best.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
In an era of skepticism, audiences quickly detect insincerity.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
And as the secretive Jack, Travis Van Winkle oozes oily, sexist insincerity.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insincerity
Noun
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According to research from Charlemagne Labs, an AI-security startup, AI models already widely available can now sustain believable, multi-turn deception—conversations that span many back-and-forth exchanges rather than a single message—which is the hardest part of real-world scams.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
-
That was a deliberate lie, deception and/or omission.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
9 June 2026
Noun
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The shows tackle stories about murder, deceit, grief, familial estrangement, presidential assassinations, and complex mental health diagnoses — and all have found captive audiences on the streamer over the last year.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
28 May 2026
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In each new place, Charlie pretends to be Layla, hoping to ensnare an unsuspecting Stanley into his web of deceit.—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Work picked up, and Harbour began building a career, often playing a supporting character who helps reveal the hypocrisies or delusions of the protagonists.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
10 June 2026
-
The hypocrisy sticks out like a Sorsby thumb.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.—
Sue Brightman,
Christian Science Monitor,
3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The elder Taylor exuded the easy-going charm of a music legend who is free of any airs or affectations.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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Slumming with her sister in San Francisco after her life with her Madoff-like ex in New York implodes, Jasmine Francis isn't quite willing to let go of the affectations that come with living in high society.—
Darren Franich,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Antisocial personality includes a persistent pattern of traits such as callousness, lack of concern, deceitfulness, and irresponsibility, Ryan said.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Perfidy — from the French perfidie via the Latin perfidia — means deceitfulness, treachery or a breach of faith or promise.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For all the Court’s pretenses—all of its insistence on the rule of law, precedent, and good faith—many critics and supporters of the Roberts Court see the institution as an appendage of the Republican Party.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
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Garcia-Hernandez was arrested on charges of theft of an elder adult, obtaining money by false pretenses, and attempted grand theft, along with an out-of-county warrant.—
Kassia Bonesteel,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insincerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insincerity. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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