noun
- hypocritical righteousness; self-righteous attitudes or behaviors that emphasize strict observance of rules while ignoring their spirit
Usage: plural form; often pejorative
Examples
- The politician’s pharisaisms were exposed when his private actions contradicted his public moral stance.
- She criticized the pharisaisms of those who preached charity but never helped the poor.
- The community leader’s pharisaisms became apparent through his judgmental attitude toward others.
- His pharisaisms included lecturing others about honesty while cheating on his taxes.
- The religious leader was accused of pharisaisms for condemning others while ignoring his own faults.
- Many saw through the pharisaisms of the reform movement’s leaders.