Sanctimony meaning

Sanctimony is the act of hypocritical righteousness or moral superiority.


Sanctimony definitions

Word backwards ynomitcnas
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division sanc-ti-mo-ny
Plural The plural of the word sanctimony is sanctimonies.
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) a,i,o
Consonants (6) s,n,c,t,m,y

Sanctimony refers to the act of pretending to be morally superior or more virtuous than others. It involves displaying a false sense of righteousness or piety, often with an air of condescension towards those who do not meet certain moral standards.

Characteristics of Sanctimony

Sanctimony is typically characterized by a holier-than-thou attitude, wherein individuals believe they are more morally upright or ethical than others. This can manifest in behaviors such as publicly shaming or judging others for their perceived moral failings, all while promoting oneself as a paragon of virtue.

Causes of Sanctimony

Sanctimony often stems from feelings of insecurity or a need to assert one's own moral superiority in order to boost self-esteem. It can also be a form of defense mechanism, employed to deflect attention from one's own shortcomings by focusing on the perceived faults of others.

Impact of Sanctimony

Individuals who engage in sanctimony may alienate others through their self-righteous behavior, creating a sense of resentment or hostility from those who feel judged or belittled. This can lead to strained relationships and a lack of genuine connection with others.

Overcoming Sanctimony

Overcoming sanctimony requires introspection and self-awareness. It is important to recognize when one is engaging in judgmental or condescending behavior and to make a conscious effort to cultivate empathy and understanding towards others. By practicing humility and focusing on one's own growth and development, individuals can avoid falling into the trap of sanctimony.

Sanctimony is a toxic mindset that can hinder personal growth and damage relationships. By taking steps to overcome this behavior, individuals can foster a more compassionate and authentic way of interacting with others. It is essential to remember that true virtue lies not in self-righteousness, but in humility and empathy.


Sanctimony Examples

  1. Her sanctimony knows no bounds when it comes to criticizing others.
  2. The politician's sanctimony about honesty is ironic given his history of corruption.
  3. I could sense the sanctimony in her voice as she lectured me on morality.
  4. His sanctimony in pretending to care about the environment is transparent to those who know him well.
  5. The teacher's sanctimony towards her students was off-putting and condescending.
  6. Despite his sanctimony, he was unable to practice what he preached.
  7. The sanctimony of the religious leader was evident in his holier-than-thou attitude.
  8. She used her sanctimony as a shield to hide her own insecurities.
  9. I resent the sanctimony of those who claim to have all the answers.
  10. His sanctimony was a disguise for his own hypocrisy.


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  • Updated 01/04/2024 - 01:34:14