What does sanctimonious mean?
Sanctimonious describes someone who makes an ostentatious display of virtue, moral concern, or religious devotion, usually with a self-righteous or prescriptive manner. The word often suggests that the displayed principles serve to elevate the speaker over others rather than to express sincere conviction. It may describe an attitude, a tone, or a set of remarks, as in “a sanctimonious attitude” or “sound sanctimonious.” Because the term carries a strongly critical connotation, it is commonly used when someone appears to enforce standards of conduct while ignoring inconsistencies in their own behavior. Even when no hypocrisy is intended, the expression conveys that moralizing is excessive, conspicuous, or insufficiently tolerant. It is more common in serious criticism and commentary than in casual conversation.
adjectiveMaking a conspicuous show of being virtuous, moral, or devout, often in a self-righteous or overly prescriptive manner.
- Characterized by an ostentatious, self-righteous, or excessively moralizing display of virtue or religious devotion.
"His sanctimonious insistence that charity begins at home was both tedious and hypocritical."
"The politician rejected the accusation that his campaign against corruption was merely sanctimonious."
"Her sanctimonious tone made the discussion of harmless mistakes feel like a formal reprimand."
Calling someone sanctimonious implies not only that they claim virtue, but that their public morality has become a performance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sanctimonious come from?
The word dates to the early 19th century and was formed from Latin sanctimonia, meaning “holiness” or “sanctity,” together with the suffix -ous. Its ancestor in turn drew on Latin sanctus, “holy,” the source of English words such as saint, sanctify, and sanctuary. The modern form originally emphasized the display of holiness or moral scrupulousness and later became especially associated with self-righteous or hypocritical behavior.
Related word forms
How sanctimonious is actually used
The term is usually critical and often implies hypocrisy, moral superiority, or excessive concern with appearances. It can apply more neutrally to conspicuous public displays of piety, though that usage remains evaluative.
Easily confused with sanctimonious
Sanctimonious describes behavior that displays excessive moral or religious concern, whereas sanctimony is the affected manner or attitude itself.