sanctimonious

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 sanctimonious The sanctimonious Trudeau, a lightning rod for the anti-woke backlash that exists even in Canada, resigned. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 But the second half becomes increasingly generic conspiracy stuff, leading to a two-part conclusion that’s more smug and sanctimonious than the preceding action can justify. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Nov. 2024 The Byzantines wrote an amoral flexibility into their system, despite its putative religiosity—a realistic approach that has become more difficult to accomplish in the United States, partly owing to the power of a sanctimonious media establishment. Robert D. Kaplan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Oct. 2022 This is the sanctimonious language of social media — the tone and medium Adichie criticized in her 2021 blog post — not of a nuanced social novel. Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanctimonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctimonious
Adjective
  • Moyers’ preacher-like delivery and emphasis on high moral standards in his commentaries led some people to criticize him as being a pious scold.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • This message and the pious and social acts of Eid, such as celebrating with friends and family and spreading acts of charity exemplify mindfulness and can be helpful when implemented regularly.
    Monica Haider, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Americans face Haiti in a meaningless group-stage match Sunday before awaiting their yet-unknown quarters foe. 6.
    Greg Cote June 22, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025
  • If the packaging is inaccessible, the exemption is meaningless.
    Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Sanctimonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctimonious. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sanctimonious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!