Sanctimonious
[,sæŋ(k)tɪ'məʊnɪəs] or [,sæŋktɪ'monɪəs]
Definition
(a.) Possessing sanctimony; holy; sacred; saintly.
(a.) Making a show of sanctity; affecting saintliness; hypocritically devout or pious.
Edited by Charlene
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. Pharisaical, affectedly holy, hypocritically devout.
Checked by Genevieve
Examples
- Yes, Mas'r, said Topsy, with sanctimonious gravity, her wicked eyes twinkling as she spoke. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- The sanctimonious hypocrite, the sleek speculator, and others whom he has probably encountered in life are done to the queen's taste. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- Who is that spider-legged gorilla yonder with the sanctimonious countenance? Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
Checked by Genevieve