as in moralistic
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Recent Examples of pharisaical
Lists are no substitute for criticism, but those who take them as inimical to criticism are pharisaical.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2022
David and Samuel explore the U.S. energy sector and evaluate what the future holds in an ESG landscape that has done its very best to bring economic incoherence to its pharisaical agenda.
—Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 16 Jan. 2022
Yet Marlin makes clear that excommunication was never a real threat but rather one that Cuomo shrewdly used to turn himself into a victim of pharisaical bishops.
—Vincent J. Cannato, National Review, 7 Nov. 2020
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2022
David and Samuel explore the U.S. energy sector and evaluate what the future holds in an ESG landscape that has done its very best to bring economic incoherence to its pharisaical agenda.
—Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 16 Jan. 2022
Yet Marlin makes clear that excommunication was never a real threat but rather one that Cuomo shrewdly used to turn himself into a victim of pharisaical bishops.
—Vincent J. Cannato, National Review, 7 Nov. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pharisaical
Adjective
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Aster isn’t merely mocking them; his real point is that moralistic self-righteousness has become a kind of addiction in America.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
16 May 2025
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But the moralistic sneer didn’t take long to enter the postgame analysis.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The sanctimonious proto-Communist bait of Good Night, and Good Luck Activist-actor George Clooney confirms his hyphenate status by adapting his vapid 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck for the Broadway stage.—
Armond White,
National Review,
30 Apr. 2025
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The sanctimonious Trudeau, a lightning rod for the anti-woke backlash that exists even in Canada, resigned.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Ahmad’s pious cousin Ibrahim insists that Hassan must be killed.—
David Remnick,
The New Yorker,
3 Aug. 2024
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Each letter comes across as a set piece, a small achievement of style and tone: Vasari’s flowery, deferential missives to the duke, Maria’s youthful ardor and confusion, the overly pious cattiness of a nun.—
Chelsea Leu,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Some critics view Sanders' use of private jets and his personal wealth as hypocritical to his overall message.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
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However, his lack of empathy towards others, hypocritical antics and blurred sense of reality has not only done him damage but has negatively impacted the whole royal family.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2025
Adjective
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Because strength in a character dimension can operate in an excess vice state when not supported by other dimensions, there is a danger of unbalanced character manifesting in the dangerous space of being self-righteous.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
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The film also adopts an unfortunate and unearned self-righteous tone, especially in the credits.—
Anupama Chopra,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Unlike baseball, with some of its holier-than-thou decisions with its Hall of Fame, the Basketball Hall of Fame largely looks at career on-court achievements.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2025
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Laurie, now adopting her own holier-than-thou perch, is just as bad.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Consider New Perspectives And Feedback Employees can tell when relationships are insincere, which is why leaders must practice empathy and authenticity so that trust, collaboration and cultural awareness can take root.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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The Baldwins shame him, but their righteous indignation feels insincere considering Baldwin wasn’t using her name in that footage with detectives.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The frenzied yet articulate tenor Gerhard Siegel, a veteran Herod, oozes unctuous entitlement.—
Zachary Woolfe,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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Then Maddy unexpectedly turns on the humor and charm when Austin’s Hollywood agent Saul — played with unctuous insincerity by Dave Rivas — arrives to talk business.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pharisaical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pharisaical. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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