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What is another word for Cant? – 146 Cant Synonyms

    Need another word for Cant? Use these synonyms of Cant from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    hypocrisy pretension affectation posturing insincerity sanctimoniousness self-righteousness phoniness duplicity dissimulation deceit guile artifice pretence feigning falseness dissembling double-dealing two-facedness insincerity canting glibness smooth-talking slickness oiliness unctuousness mealy-mouthedness double-talk doublespeak jargon gibberish mumbo-jumbo nonsense humbug folderol rubbish bunkum hogwash.

    Meaning of Cant

    The primary meaning of the word "Cant" is insincere or hypocritical talk.

    Definitions

    • The word "Cant" refers to the use of language that is considered insincere or hypocritical, often characterized by a self-righteous or sanctimonious tone.
    • It can also refer to a particular dialect or jargon, especially one that is considered to be pretentious or insincere.
    • In a broader sense, "Cant" can describe any language or behavior that is perceived as insincere, deceitful, or manipulative.

    Etymology of Cant

    The word "Cant" has its roots in the 17th-century English word "cant", which referred to the specialized language or jargon of a particular group, such as thieves or beggars.
    Over time, the term took on a broader meaning, encompassing any language or behavior that was considered insincere, hypocritical, or self-righteous.
    The word is thought to have originated from the Latin "cantus", meaning "song" or "chant", and was likely influenced by the idea of a repetitive, insincere, or formulaic way of speaking.

    Example Uses

    • The politician's cant about helping the poor rang hollow, given his history of supporting policies that benefited the wealthy.
    • The company's cant about being environmentally friendly was exposed when it was revealed that they had been secretly polluting the local water supply.
    • The preacher's cant about the importance of humility was undermined by his own lavish lifestyle and love of luxury.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    sincerity honesty authenticity genuineness straightforwardness candor frankness openness transparency integrity truthfulness directness simplicity humility modesty unpretentiousness candor forthrightness plainspokenness matter-of-factness realism pragmatism.

    Related Nouns

    insincerity hypocrisy pretension affectation sanctimoniousness self-righteousness phoniness duplicity dissimulation deceit guile artifice pretence feigning falseness dissembling double-dealing two-facedness jargon gibberish mumbo-jumbo nonsense humbug folderol rubbish bunkum hogwash.

    Related Verbs

    speak talk prattle chatter jabber spout mouth rant rave declaim pontificate sermonize moralize preach lecture harangue bloviate gas gush spew vomit regurgitate repeat parrot mimic ape simulate feign pretend dissemble dissimulate.

    Related Adjectives

    insincere hypocritical self-righteous sanctimonious phony duplicitous deceitful guileful artful pretentious feigned false disingenuous double-dealing two-faced glib smooth-talking slick oily unctuous mealy-mouthed double-talking duplicitous deceitful fraudulent fake spurious bogus.