as in pious
disapproving
having or showing a strong belief that your own actions, opinions, etc., are right and other people's are wrong
a self-righteous tone It's OK to criticize, but don't get self-righteous about it.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-righteous
First up is Denzel Washington as a self-righteous former slave whose revenge plans include matching the beastliness of his captors slash for gash, and those depraved co-emperors Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn, whose Kardashian brothers zeal for squeals steals the Colosseum show.
—
Steven Gaydos, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024
But recent years have marked a subtle shift from self-righteous battles over reputation to less principled conflicts over branding control, like when Kanye West disowned his participation in Coodie & Chike’s 2022 documentary Jeen-Yuhs because he was denied final cut.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024
His parents, one a co-leader in the 1980s of South Central’s Black-Korean Coalition, the other a union organizer, push back on his self-righteous idealism.
—Ruth Madievsky, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024
Dillahunt will play modern cowboy William Macon, a self-righteous, conspiracy-minded man who masks his ruthless ambition behind a charming and calculated facade.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-righteous 
Steven Gaydos, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024
But recent years have marked a subtle shift from self-righteous battles over reputation to less principled conflicts over branding control, like when Kanye West disowned his participation in Coodie & Chike’s 2022 documentary Jeen-Yuhs because he was denied final cut.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024
His parents, one a co-leader in the 1980s of South Central’s Black-Korean Coalition, the other a union organizer, push back on his self-righteous idealism.
—Ruth Madievsky, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024
Dillahunt will play modern cowboy William Macon, a self-righteous, conspiracy-minded man who masks his ruthless ambition behind a charming and calculated facade.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-righteous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-righteous
Adjective
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The pious townspeople eat food for sustenance, not enjoyment, and for over a decade Babette dutifully prepares a rather drab-looking bread soup for the sisters, per their instructions.—
Eliana Dockterman,
TIME,
21 Dec. 2024
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And yet something about her pious active listening face really gets to Urs.—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Unmatched in its warmth, its delightful disposition, its ability to inspire you—not with high fashion or sanctimonious pontificating or streets walled with money—but just by being its easy, sunny self.—
Allure Editors,
Allure,
17 Jan. 2025
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He was seen by some, then and later, as prickly and sanctimonious.—
Susan Page,
USA TODAY,
29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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However, officials may well be hoping that a high-profile prosecution would help to restore public trust by showing the authority's determination to root out dishonest officers.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
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People are less inclined to engage in dishonest behavior when they are treated fairly, compensated properly and see themselves as integral to the company’s mission.—
Toby Braun,
Forbes,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Cigarettes were first popularized in a more moralistic era.—
Cal Newport,
The New Yorker,
22 Jan. 2025
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How Polarizing Messaging Hurt DEI DEI often positioned itself as a solution to deep social problems, but its prescriptive and moralistic tone alienated some employees and customers.—
Gillian Oakenfull,
Forbes,
13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Proponents of this theory point to Kennedy's strained relationship with the CIA after the Bay of Pigs blunder, as well as differences over how the U.S. should have approached Vietnam.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
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Sasaki, who was 18 at the time, encountered difficulties rehabilitating a strained muscle in his right arm.—
Dylan Hernández,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The Neuralink procedure, on the other hand, occurs on the superficial, surface- area of the brain and requires a relatively small incision.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
27 Jan. 2025
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Technical And Operational Challenges Many organizations face integration hurdles with AI solutions due to existing investments in legacy systems and required employee training, often resulting in superficial implementation and a lack of comprehensive upskilling.—
Shivangi Khurania,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Jamie Bernstein considers the attitude hypocritical.—
Miguel Sirgado,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
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There are several moments in which Stewart comes off as hypocritical and lacking self-awareness.—
Meredith Blake,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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If that’s not enough, Oren Burks, a 49ers reserve linebacker and core special teams player, signed with Philadelphia and had the game of his life against the Commanders with nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.—
Jerry McDonald,
The Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2025
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As the Eagles’ bold new leader, Carter dominated the Rams last week (seven pressures, two sacks and a forced fumble) despite being doubled during over half his pass rushes.—
Jacob Robinson,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near self-righteous
Cite this Entry
“Self-righteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-righteous. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
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