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View synonyms for hypocritical

hypocritical

[ hip-uh-krit-i-kuhl ]

adjective

  1. of the nature of hypocrisy, or pretense of having virtues, beliefs, principles, etc., that one does not actually possess:

    The parent who has a “do what I say and not what I do” attitude can appear hypocritical to a child.

  2. possessing the characteristics of hypocrisy:

    Isn't a politician hypocritical for talking about human dignity while voting against reasonable social programs?



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Other Words From

  • hypo·criti·cal·ly adverb
  • unhyp·o·criti·cal adjective
  • unhyp·o·criti·cal·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of hypocritical1

First recorded in 1515–25; equivalent to Greek hypokritik(ós) (from hypokritḗs “a stage actor” + -ikós -ic ( def ) ) + -al 1( def ); hypocrite ( def )

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Example Sentences

“They are hypocritical on this very issue,” Shearer said about Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder and other public officials.

Similarly, the shocking demand among some Republicans for greater action—for ground troops, even—is equally hypocritical.

The double standard of sexualization is hypocritical at best and ineffectively vindictive at worse.

Meanwhile, the hypocritical pageants that rejected her continue to see their cultural relevance—and TV ratings—decline.

On spending and economic issues, he was atrocious and hypocritical in all the ways that a Republican can be.

God rejects the hypocritical fasts of the Jews: recommends works of mercy, and sincere godliness.

Pope-holy; properly an adjective, meaning 'holy as a pope,' hence, hypocritical.

He even joined with some show of interest (of course hypocritical) in the conversation.

Calvin gave birth, by the sternness of his doctrines and his executions, to that form of hypocritical sentiment called "cant."

The hypocritical ceremony continued some time, when the warriors began talking among themselves.

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hypocritehypocrystalline