insincere
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of insincere
1625–35; < Latin insincērus tainted, dishonest; see in- 3, sincere
Explanation
Someone who's insincere is a little bit fake or phony. Your classmate's insincere apology for interrupting you probably sounds like she doesn't really mean it. When you're insincere, you're not being completely honest. A losing politician often gives an insincere-sounding concession speech, and a teacher who's having a terrible day might wear an insincere smile on her face. The adjective sincere, "coming from genuine, honest feelings," is at the root of insincere — the Latin prefix in, or "not," is combined with sincerus, "sound, pure, or whole."
Vocabulary lists containing insincere
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 6
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some students questioned this approach, saying it seemed insincere to say something just to appease someone.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
As impressed with “The Drama” as I am, it would be insincere not to look at Borgli’s film in a wider context.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
They’re insincere and elitist and out of touch and smug in many respects, from the perspective of a young man.
From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026
The apology still drew criticism, with some calling it "insincere" given it was written in Finnish.
From BBC • Dec. 16, 2025
“And I’m proud that I did. Those letters are insincere and dishonest Their only purpose is to bring glory to Colonel Cathcart.”
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
