1. given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner
Usage: often disapproving
2. terse and energetic in expression; pithy
Usage: formal; less common

Examples

• The politician’s sententious speech about family values annoyed many voters.
• Her sententious tone made it clear she thought herself morally superior.
• The professor’s sententious remarks about hard work felt condescending to students.
• He delivered sententious advice about success without having achieved much himself.
• The author’s sententious style made the novel difficult to enjoy.
• Critics found the film’s sententious message heavy-handed and preachy.