insincerity

noun

Definition of insinceritynext
as in deception
the pretending of having virtues, principles, or beliefs that one in fact does not have the insincerity of the family's professed concern for the environment is pretty much exposed by the gas-guzzler parked in the driveway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of insincerity It was made that much worse when several cast members laughed at her insincerity and Maddi Reese interrupted it several times because there was a stray cat nearby that terrified her. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 May 2026 Allen’s combo of flip insincerity and kindly concern is a terrific treat, recalling Bill Murray at his doofy best. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025 In an era of skepticism, audiences quickly detect insincerity. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 And as the secretive Jack, Travis Van Winkle oozes oily, sexist insincerity. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insincerity
  1. deception
  2. deceit
  3. hypocrisy
  4. deceptiveness
  5. affectation
  6. deceitfulness
  7. pretense
Noun
  • There appears to be no indication the scammer or scammers behind this web of deception are anywhere close to slowing down.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But Richard Adams Locke, who wrote the series, later claimed that deception wasn’t his goal.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • The state alleges OpenAI's rapid success stems from deceit and exploitation, causing widespread harm to Floridians and subverting public order.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Following the pandemic and resurgence of fascism and brutal deceits, and picking up on the discussions of shame found in My 1980s Gayboy Playlist, Ashby has now focused on indignity and intolerance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceit
Noun
  • Our views on morality and indecency are rife with inconsistency and hypocrisy.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
  • This’ll be a great way to expose the hypocrisy or idiocy of the progressive movement ingrained in the league.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of hypocrisy
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • Robinhood's banking product arrived with private-bank affectations, estate planning, event access, cash to the door, priced at $5 a month inside a bundle a 30-year-old already pays for.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Bret, who narrates the series with snooty affectation, is primarily parentless, with mom and dad gallivanting around Europe.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of affectation
Noun
  • Antisocial personality includes a persistent pattern of traits such as callousness, lack of concern, deceitfulness, and irresponsibility, Ryan said.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Perfidy — from the French perfidie via the Latin perfidia — means deceitfulness, treachery or a breach of faith or promise.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of deceitfulness
Noun
  • The food is stellar, as is the service, but there isn’t a shred of pretence about any of it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Before Starlink, someone on a business trip might still decide to expense suboptimal Wi-Fi to keep up the pretense of working.
    — Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretense

Browse Nearby Words

insincerely
insincerity
insinuate
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Cite this Entry

“Insincerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insincerity. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insincerity

Nglish: Translation of insincerity for Spanish Speakers

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