hypocrisy — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs; hence in general sense, dissimulation, pretence, sham.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   political hypocrisy

   He condemned the hypocrisy of politicians who broke their own laws.

2. The claim or pretense of having beliefs, standards, qualities, behaviours, virtues, motivations, etc. which one does not really have.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   rank hypocrisy

   charge of hypocrisy

3. The practice of engaging in the same behaviour or activity for which one criticises another; moral self-contradiction whereby the behavior of one or more people belies their own claimed or implied possession of certain beliefs, standards or virtues.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

4. An instance of hypocrisy.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. an expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction

   Synonyms

   lip service

   Broader terms

   pretensepretencefeigningdissembling

2. insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have

   Broader terms

   insincerityfalsenesshollowness