Synonyms for

Hypocrisy

Verb / hɪˈpɑ:krʌsi: / Another word for hypocrisy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform

Synonyms & similar words

lipservice insincerity dishonesty duplicity deceit falseness pretense sanctimoniousness two-facedness double-dealing deception betrayal perfidy fake pharisaism cant speciousness mendacity

Synonyms by register

Formal

duplicity dissemblance pretense

Informal

phoniness fakeness two-facedness

Literary

sanctimony cant

Antonyms

honesty sincerity candor integrity truthfulness genuineness earnestness

Common collocations

  • rank hypocrisy
  • blatant hypocrisy
  • moral hypocrisy
  • political hypocrisy
  • accuse of hypocrisy
  • accused of hypocrisy
  • practice hypocrisy

Word family

noun hypocrisy
verb hypothesize
adjective hypocritical
adverb hypocritically

Usage note

Hypocrisy refers to the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. It often carries a strong negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. She criticized her friend's hypocrisy for preaching about healthy eating while secretly eating junk food.
  2. His hypocrisy was evident when he scolded his children for lying, but then lied to his boss.
  3. The politician's hypocrisy was exposed when he claimed to support the environment, but then approved a harmful development project.
  4. Don't accuse others of hypocrisy unless you are willing to acknowledge your own flaws.
  5. The company's hypocrisy was revealed when they publicly claimed to support workers' rights, but then laid off hundreds of employees.

Quotes

  • “I have a very strong feeling that the opposite of love is not hate - it's hypocrisy. It's the inconsistency. It's the impossibility of living up to your own ideals.” - Emma Thompson
  • “Hypocrisy is the audacity to preach integrity from a den of corruption.” - Wes Fesler
  • “Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises, for never intending to go beyond promise, it costs nothing.” - Edmund Burke

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