SELF-RIGHTEOUS Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

self-righteous

adjective

Definition of self-righteous

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.

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of self-righteous Yet, the most grating new addition is a self-righteous student named Dei Meeks (Sydney Park), who polices the humor. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026 This admission is met with varying levels of shock and dismay from her three companions, ranging from nervous equivocation from her fiancé to self-righteous anger from Rachel. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 3 Apr. 2026 Democrats who want to be self-righteous about their MAGA relatives, or sit back in their plush armchairs and diagnose Biden as being senile and blame his aides for hiding it, need to wake up. — Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026 The only certainty in these films is that the self-righteous Optimus Prime will always preach some long-winded, sleep-inducing monologue at the end of the movie before a radio-friendly Linkin Park or Imagine Dragons song blares over the credits. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-righteous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-righteous

Adjective

Others regard the unum as a pious myth.

— James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
However, this distinction did more than pit pious Americans against an atheist enemy.

— David Williamson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026

Definition of pious

Adjective

There are few things in this world more sanctimonious and hypocritical than left-wing sportswriters getting on their faux moral high horse.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
That’s when the movie takes a direction that’s both maudlin in the true sense of the word and ultimately even sanctimonious regarding the heroine’s sudden redemption.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 May 2026

Definition of sanctimonious

Adjective

For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.

— Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Her attorneys contend the defendants used the litigation to portray her as dishonest, intimidate potential witnesses, fuel a public relations campaign against her and drive up the cost of her legal defense.

— Adam Reiss, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Definition of dishonest

Adjective

Navy excels at untangling human emotions and picking through them without being didactic or moralistic.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026
Last year, a YouTube channel called Akhbar Enfejari (Explosive News) began posting a variety of digital content with a political and moralistic bent.

— Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026

Definition of moralistic

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

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

Or means that any comments are supposedly hypocritical.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 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