hypocritical

adjective

ˌhi-pə-ˈkri-ti-kəl How to pronounce hypocritical (audio)
Definition of hypocriticalnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But, resonance can backfire, as seen in the widespread criticism of the recent Met Gala’s hypocritical celebrity excess. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 People are fixating on celebrities of all kinds, accusing singers of body-positive anthems of being hypocritical, rolling their eyes at athletes promoting weight loss drugs and whispering about the thinness of their favorite movie stars. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 29 May 2026 The lawsuit also alleged Cameron’s actions were hypocritical of his films’ messaging and detailed public backlash Cameron and the films faced for its depictions of Native groups. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026 Earlier this month, Matsui’s campaign came after Vang for taking corporate donations from Sacramento-area businesses during her city council campaigns, implying that Vang’s vows to not accept money from corporate PACs in her congressional bid is hypocritical. — Mathew Miranda june 4, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypocritical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypocritical
  1. fake
  2. double
  3. meaningless
  4. superficial
  5. insincere
  6. strained
  7. hollow
  8. artificial
Adjective
  • First was a Drug Enforcement Administration badge and ID with Horsch’s photo on it, but the ID was fake, and Horsch has never worked for the DEA, according to court documents.
    — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • This game preserves the difficulty of coming up with an elaborate, consistent false narrative on the spot, and the challenge of adapting that narrative on the fly when other players present convincing (and sometimes fake) counter-evidence.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Taylor Walls recorded three hits while Chandler Simpson added a double and a single.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Resting options include double bunk beds in back and queen bed with bamboo mattress up front.
    — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • One sure focus is the rampant grade inflation that exaggerates student achievement and has made graduating high school close to meaningless as an indicator of college preparedness.
    — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2026
  • This distinction between meaningful and meaningless data evokes signal versus noise, a communication concept formulated by the mathematician Claude Shannon.
    — Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of meaningless
Adjective
  • Context that lacks acknowledgment comes across as defensive, and acknowledgment that lacks context comes across superficial.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • At the most superficial level, the DSA influx has associated Democrats with a series of kooky beliefs and statements.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of superficial
Adjective
  • Not everyone believes, however, that the line is insincere.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • And so, open door policies rarely fail because leaders are insincere.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Definition of insincere
Adjective
  • Then there’s the risk of higher frustration and strained relationships across an organization.
    — Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • But for Chris Williams, an 18-year employee of the California Department of Education, the contentious return-to-office process may have teed up a strained relationship with downtown.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • In the second year, a hollow stalk with purple spots grows 5 to 10 feet tall.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • However, most other teams’ fall rosters were already filled by then, Elschot said, making these promises seem hollow and unrealistic.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of hollow
Adjective
  • The West should also stop drawing artificial distinctions that favor Russian escalation management over Ukrainian survival.
    — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Instead of using artificial colors, look for ingredients that naturally fit the bill.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of artificial

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Cite this Entry

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

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