Synonyms for
Cant
Definition
Unable to do something; insincere or hypocritical talk.
Synonyms & similar words
patois
buzzword
jargon
bevel
pitch
lingo
piousplatitude
cantover
camber
bank
chamfer
tilt
vernacular
argot
slang
slant
hypocrisy
insincerity
pretense
deceit
dishonesty
lying
falseness
untruthfulness
inability
incapability
failure
incompetence
inadequacy
weakness
impotence
powerlessness
infirmity
feebleness
disablement
handicap
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- cant and hypocrisy
- religious cant
- political cant
- moral cant
- empty cant
- mere cant
- dismissed as cant
Word family
Usage note
Cant refers to insincere or hypocritical talk, especially about morality or religion. It often implies a gap between stated beliefs and actual behavior.
Compare "cant" with another word →
Example sentences
- She was unable to attend the party due to her cant.
- He always talks with cant, never meaning what he says.
- I can't believe how good this pizza is!
- Her apology sounded like cant to me.
- He uses cant to cover up his true feelings.
Quotes
'Cant is the voluntary overcharging or prolongation of a real sentiment.' - Samuel Johnson
'The world is full of cant, and a man must be allowed to dislike a thing without being accused of a motive he never dreamed of.' - George Eliot
'Cant and lying are sisters.' - Benjamin Franklin