holier-than-thou

American  

[hoh-lee-er-thuhn-thou] / ˈhoʊ li ər ðənˈðaʊ /

adjective

1. obnoxiously pious; sanctimonious; self-righteous.

---

noun

1. a person who is obnoxiously pious or self-righteous.

Etymology

Origin of holier-than-thou

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

As The Outline saliently noted in 2019, this disposition seemed to suggest a holier-than-thou elitism.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

“It’s like a milkshake gone bad. I don’t like holier-than-thou people. I hate that.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2024

In 2000, the United States was introduced to the Toyota Prius, marketed as a holier-than-thou, eco-friendly choice.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2022

Their core complaint is the court’s holier-than-thou posture, exemplified by the black robes the justices wear in public.

From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2022

This was his regular move, a kind of holier-than-thou decision process that drove Toby nuts.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss