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What is another word for Holier-Than-Thou? – 113 Holier-Than-Thou Synonyms

    Need another word for Holier-Than-Thou? Use these synonyms of Holier-Than-Thou from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    sanctimonious self-righteous pious hypocritical pretentious condescending superior arrogant haughty smug complacent judgmental critical disapproving moralistic hypocrite goody-goody Pharisaic Tartuffian affected insincere canting holier righteous virtuous moral ethical high-handed patronizing disdainful scornful disdain supercilious

    Meaning of Holier-Than-Thou

    The primary meaning of "Holier-Than-Thou" is having or showing a tendency to consider oneself more virtuous or morally superior to others.

    Definitions

    • Having or showing a tendency to consider oneself more virtuous or morally superior to others
    • Affectedly or hypocritically pious or virtuous
    • Having a superior or condescending attitude towards others

    Etymology of Holier-Than-Thou

    The phrase "Holier-Than-Thou" is of biblical origin, derived from Isaiah 65:5, which says "which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am set apart from thee."
    The phrase has been in use since the 17th century to describe individuals who exhibit a self-righteous or hypocritical attitude

    Example Uses

    • The politician's holier-than-thou attitude towards his opponents was off-putting to many voters
    • She came across as holier-than-thou when she started lecturing us about our lifestyle choices
    • His holier-than-thou comments on social media sparked a heated debate about morality and ethics

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    humble modest unassuming down-to-earth unpretentious sincere genuine honest open-minded tolerant accepting non-judgmental empathetic compassionate kind gentle meek mild humble unostentatious unaffected

    Related Nouns

    morality ethics virtue piety righteousness sanctity hypocrisy pretentiousness condescension arrogance haughtiness smugness complacency judgment criticism disapproval moralism cant sanctimoniousness self-righteousness

    Related Verbs

    moralize preach lecture judge criticize disapprove condescend patronize scorn disdain look down on talk down to pontificate sermonize proselytize evangelize indoctrinate brainwash

    Related Adjectives

    moral ethical virtuous pious righteous sanctimonious hypocritical pretentious condescending superior arrogant haughty smug complacent judgmental critical disapproving moralistic canting insincere affected