This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
sanctimonious
[ sangk-tuh-moh-nee-uhs ]
/ ˌsæŋk təˈmoʊ ni əs /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
making a hypocritical show of religious devotion, piety, righteousness, etc.: They resented his sanctimonious comments on immorality in America.
Obsolete. holy; sacred.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of sanctimonious
First recorded in 1595–1605; sanctimony + -ous
OTHER WORDS FROM sanctimonious
Words nearby sanctimonious
San Clemente, San Clemente Island, San Cristóbal, sanctified, sanctify, sanctimonious, sanctimony, sanction, sanctioned, sanction mark, sanctitude
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use sanctimonious in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for sanctimonious
sanctimonious
/ (ˌsæŋktɪˈməʊnɪəs) /
adjective
affecting piety or making a display of holiness
Derived forms of sanctimonious
sanctimoniously, adverbsanctimoniousness, nounsanctimony, nounWord Origin for sanctimonious
C17: from Latin sanctimonia sanctity, from sanctus holy
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