This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
meretricious
[ mer-i-trish-uhs ]
/ ˌmɛr ɪˈtrɪʃ əs /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry.
based on pretense, deception, or insincerity.
pertaining to or characteristic of a prostitute.
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of meretricious
OTHER WORDS FROM meretricious
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH meretricious
meritorious, meretriciousWords nearby meretricious
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use meretricious in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for meretricious
meretricious
/ (ˌmɛrɪˈtrɪʃəs) /
adjective
superficially or garishly attractive
insinceremeretricious praise
archaic of, like, or relating to a prostitute
Derived forms of meretricious
meretriciously, adverbmeretriciousness, nounWord Origin for meretricious
C17: from Latin merētrīcius, from merētrix prostitute, from merēre to earn money
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012