What does sanctimoniously mean?
Sanctimoniously means in a self-righteous, morally superior, or conspicuously virtuous way. It is often used to describe people who display their goodness with such insistence that the behaviour appears performative rather than sincere. The adverb frequently occurs in critical contexts, especially when someone is praised publicly while behaving inconsistently, moralising about others, or insisting on standards they do not themselves meet. It can refer to religious displays as well as broader moral or social pretensions, and usually carries a strongly negative connotation. Although related to words such as saint and sanctify, “sanctimoniously” has become specifically associated with conspicuous self-righteousness rather than ordinary piety.
adverbIn a self-righteous or ostentatiously virtuous manner, especially by making a show of moral or religious goodness.
- In a self-righteous or ostentatiously virtuous manner, especially by making a show of moral or religious goodness.
"He sanctimoniously reminded everyone of the importance of honesty while ignoring his own contradictions."
"She sanctimoniously criticized the company for failing to support its community."
"The politician sanctimoniously defended his record while declining to explain the discrepancies."
Calling someone sanctimonious suggests that their apparent virtue may be more performance than character.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sanctimoniously come from?
The word derives from “sanctimonious,” which ultimately comes from Latin roots associated with holiness and religious observance. “Sanctimoniously” was formed in the 19th century from that adjective by adding the adverbial suffix -ly. Its modern sense developed through the idea of making a solemn or sacred display, and eventually came to mean with exaggerated or self-conscious moral display.
How sanctimoniously is actually used
The word is generally critical and often implies hypocrisy, moral self-importance, or excessive concern with appearances. It is more common in formal or literary criticism than in everyday neutral speech.
Easily confused with sanctimoniously
Sanctimonious is the adjective describing a self-righteous or ostentatiously virtuous person or attitude, while sanctimoniously is the adverb describing that manner of behaviour.