as in pious
disapproving
having or showing a strong belief that your own actions, opinions, etc., are right and other people's are wrong
a self-righteous tone It's OK to criticize, but don't get self-righteous about it.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-righteous
This is usually where the self-righteous defenders of Trump’s blatantly unconstitutional tactics insist that the protections of the Constitution only apply to U.S. citizens.
—
Nisha Whitehead, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2025
William is a self-righteous and conspiracy-minded and ruthlessly ambitious man who hides his darker side behind a charming facade.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Hellbent on destroying the pure, chaste and overly self-righteous preacher who denied her satisfaction, Salome performs a seductive dance at her stepfather Herod’s birthday feast.
—E.r. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
Her character is annoyingly self-righteous, but also very attractive and seemingly interested in David.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-righteous
Nisha Whitehead, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2025
William is a self-righteous and conspiracy-minded and ruthlessly ambitious man who hides his darker side behind a charming facade.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Hellbent on destroying the pure, chaste and overly self-righteous preacher who denied her satisfaction, Salome performs a seductive dance at her stepfather Herod’s birthday feast.
—E.r. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
Her character is annoyingly self-righteous, but also very attractive and seemingly interested in David.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-righteous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-righteous
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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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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There's also research showing that AI agents can easily be subversive, self-serving and dishonest in their actions.—
Lisa Loud,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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That’s a fact, so saying otherwise is dishonest and can lead to confusion.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
5 May 2025
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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This causes the voice to break and have a strained sound.—
Kate Nalepinski,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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Despite the strained relationship between both countries at the political level, the Tempo are focused on having a smooth launch next year and adding to the W’s current momentum.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Garmin also upgrades the superficial hardware in the Forerunner 970.—
Andrew Williams,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
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Health advocacy organizations say public outreach for this effort, especially to Black Georgians, has been superficial at best.—
Margaret Coker,
ProPublica,
14 May 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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The linebacker has posted 302 tackles, eight sacks, three interceptions, 17 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, and 40 tackles for loss.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
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As a senior, Robinson recorded 42 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble.—
C. Isaiah Smalls II,
Miami Herald,
11 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-righteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-righteous. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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