sanctimony

American  

[sangk-tuh-moh-nee] / ˈsæŋk təˌmoʊ ni /

noun

1. pretended, affected, or hypocritical religious devotion, righteousness, etc.

2. Obsolete. sanctity; sacredness.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsanctimony noun

Etymology

Origin of sanctimony

First recorded in 1530–40, sanctimony is from the Latin word sānctimōnia holiness. See Sanctus, -mony

Example Sentences

As the country heads into July 4th weekend — a national holiday defined by paper plates, barbecue sauce and a proud disregard for utensils — the sanctimony around “civilized” eating feels more than a little selective.

From Salon

When you're writing about topics this raw it's easy to slip into humourless sanctimony, but Walker's music is located in compassion, always finding nuggets of hope and happiness in the darkness.

From BBC

It's the revenge of the mediocre, to paint sincere concern about the world as sanctimony.

From Salon

He carried his profound decency very lightly without a hint of sanctimony.

From BBC

It’s hard to come to terms with the fatuous sanctimony of Romney’s argument.

From Los Angeles Times