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 And members of these new churches were mostly not the black-dressed, hypocritical, sour-faced, monocultural figures favored by popular narrative, but often included colorful figures who were sometimes surprisingly modern in their desires. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026 There is something deeply hypocritical about discovering and using the language of women’s liberation only when your own status, reputation, or income is at stake. — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026 That some people in these industries, including those who are well paid, would look at our economy and seek out other ways of doing things is neither hypocritical nor surprising. — Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026 Some players cited the league’s partnerships with sports betting companies as hypocritical or even laying the foundation for this sort of scandal. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypocritical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypocritical
  1. fake
  2. double
  3. meaningless
  4. superficial
  5. lip
  6. insincere
  7. strained
  8. hollow
Adjective
  • In episode 4, Noah made up an elaborate ruse involving a fake friend’s wedding in Napa — a means of getting Joanne to wine country for a romantic weekend.
    — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The two fans came with their own props even though fake mustaches were given to fans at the entry gates.
    — Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • The double-slit experiment, for example, is a classic setup where scientists send particles through two gaps in a screen and observe a resulting interference pattern, proving that the particles act as waves.
    — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Saturday night, the Hurricanes outlasted Florida State, 43-35, the double overtime game adding another epic episode to the rivalry.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • Advertisement That does not make the markets emerging around lionfish, green crab, ta’ape, and carp meaningless.
    — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Quantum Systems That doesn't make the flight of the Apex Recordhunter a meaningless milestone.
    — David Szondy October 20, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of meaningless
Adjective
  • Vascular experts break down the differences between superficial and deep vein thromboses, the possibly life-threatening complication of pulmonary embolism and what treatment typically looks like.
    — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Hurts, 28, was diagnosed earlier this month with a superficial blood clot in his leg that then traveled to his lungs, developing into deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, the Eagles said Monday in a joint statement with Hurts' agent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of superficial
Adjective
  • Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of lip
Adjective
  • None of the warnings being made about these models by industry insiders are at all insincere.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Leigh feared the tracks might be too arch, too pretentious, too insincere.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of insincere
Adjective
  • However, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital that Harry's willingness to publicly discuss his strained family relationships only makes the royals more reluctant to extend an olive branch.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Other governments around the world are also feeling pressure because of high debt loads and strained budgets, including the United States.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • The singer wore a sharp, black wool palladium tuxedo jacket featuring a long, relaxed double-breasted silhouette with hollow shoulder construction and peak lapels.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The turbine also incorporates hollow superalloy blades designed to withstand high operating temperatures.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of hollow

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Cite this Entry

“Hypocritical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypocritical. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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