adjective making a show of being morally superior to other people
In political discourse, 'sanctimonious' is used to criticize politicians or individuals who are perceived as insincerely moralistic or self-righteous.
In religious contexts, the word 'sanctimonious' is often used to describe someone who acts holier-than-thou or hypocritical in their religious beliefs.
Within discussions of ethics, 'sanctimonious' is employed to point out individuals who preach moral values without practicing them themselves.
In conversations about social justice issues, 'sanctimonious' is used to highlight individuals or groups who claim moral superiority while ignoring systemic injustices.
When critiquing media portrayals, 'sanctimonious' is used to describe characters or narratives that come across as overly moralizing or preachy.
In the literary world, a sanctimonious character may be used to create conflict or highlight hypocrisy within a story. Writers may also use the term in critiques or reviews of other works.
Psychologists may use the term sanctimonious to describe a patient or individual who displays self-righteous or hypocritical behavior during therapy sessions. It may also be used in academic research or discussions about moral behavior and attitudes.
Politicians may use the term sanctimonious to criticize an opponent's behavior or rhetoric as insincere or hypocritical. It may also be used in political debates or speeches to highlight moral integrity or lack thereof.
Lawyers may use the term sanctimonious in court to describe a witness or opposing counsel's behavior as hypocritical or self-righteous. It may also be used in legal briefs or arguments to question the moral character of a party involved in a case.
Teachers may use the term sanctimonious to discuss moral behavior or attitudes with students, highlighting the importance of sincerity and humility. It may also be used in disciplinary actions or discussions about ethical conduct in the classroom.