insincere

adjective

in·​sin·​cere ˌin-sin-ˈsir 

-sən-

: not sincere : hypocritical

insincerely adverb

insincerity

ˌin-sin-ˈser-ə-tē 

 also  -ˈsir-

noun

Synonyms

• artificial
• backhanded
• counterfeit
• double
• double-dealing
• double-faced
• fake
• feigned
• hypocritical
• Janus-faced
• jive [slang]
• left-handed
• lip
• mealy
• mealymouthed
• Pecksniffian
• phony
• phoney
• phony-baloney
• phoney-baloney
• pretended
• two-faced
• unctuous

Examples of insincere in a Sentence

He said he was sorry, but I could tell that he was being insincere.

the insincere compliments of a spiteful gossip

Recent Examples on the Web

Plying the country’s backroads, the charismatic con men of literature prey on the gullibility of the faithful with insincere pitches for an overpriced product their targets can ill afford. —Nolan Finley, The Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2024

Authenticity Coming across as fake and insincere can sink any branding campaign. —Edward Segal, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024

Cynicism is the belief that all people are insincere and motivated only by self-interest. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Even so, Republicans are diving into a trove of past quotes and video clips to accuse Harris of being dangerously progressive — or insincere — for shifting positions on various issues. —Stef W. Kight, Axios, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin insincerus, from in- + sincerus sincere

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insincere

adjective

in·​sin·​cere ˌin(t)-sin-ˈsi(ə)r 

: not sincere : hypocritical

insincerely adverb

insincerity

-ˈser-ət-ē 

 also  -ˈsir-

noun