meretricious
[ mer-i-trish-uhs ]
/ ˌmɛr ɪˈtrɪʃ əs /
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adjective
alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry.
based on pretense, deception, or insincerity.
pertaining to or characteristic of a prostitute.
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Origin of meretricious
OTHER WORDS FROM meretricious
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH meretricious
meritorious, meretriciousDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use meretricious in a sentence
If not touched by city elegance, neither is it infected by city meretriciousness; it is sweet, wholesome country.
Literary and Social Essays|George William CurtisShe felt that she was a living part of John's meretriciousness.
Leonora|Arnold BennettThe meretriciousness of women and their love of luxury are denounced.
Folkways|William Graham SumnerThere was a suggestion of meretriciousness in the tinted lips and the pretence of colour on the charming face.
The Hand in the Dark|Arthur J. Rees
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
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