sanctimonious crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "sanctimonious" clue, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "sanctimonious crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SMUG: Having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements.
5 Letters
PIOUS: Though 'pious' often means devout, in a sanctimonious context it implies a false or exaggerated display of religious devotion for show.
7 Letters
PRUDISH: Having or expressing a tendency to be easily shocked or offended by matters relating to sex, often implying a show of excessive propriety.
9 Letters
PHARISAIC: Relating to or characteristic of the Pharisees, especially in being self-righteous or hypocritical.
10 Letters
GOODY-GOODY: A person who is primly or smugly virtuous; a prig.
12 Letters
HYPOCRITICAL: Behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.
13 Letters
SELF-RIGHTEOUS: Having or characterized by a certainty, especially an unfounded one, that one is totally correct or morally superior.
14 Letters
HOLIER-THAN-THOU: Characterized by an attitude of superior virtue; smugly pious.
More About "sanctimonious crossword clue"
'Sanctimonious' is a word often used to describe someone who acts morally superior to others, often in a hypocritical or insincere way. It's a rich term for crossword setters because it has several synonyms that fit various letter counts, allowing for diverse puzzle constructions.
When you encounter 'sanctimonious' in a crossword, think about its core meaning: a show of exaggerated piety or moral righteousness. This nuance helps narrow down potential answers from words that simply mean 'pious' or 'good' to those that imply a sense of feigned virtue or judgmental self-importance.
Common themes for this clue might involve religious contexts, moral grandstanding, or a general sense of condescending superiority. Being aware of these connotations can guide you to the correct answer, especially when considering the available letters in your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "sanctimonious," pay attention to whether the word implies true virtue or a feigned display. This subtle difference often points to the precise answer.
- Check Cross-References: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to quickly narrow down the possibilities for "sanctimonious." Sometimes a partial answer makes the full word obvious.
- Think About Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Always filter potential answers by their exact length before trying to fit them into the grid.
- Explore Synonyms & Antonyms: Even if the direct synonym isn't working, thinking about related words or even antonyms can sometimes spark the right answer, especially for themed puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sanctimonious' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'sanctimonious' refers to someone who is pretending to be morally superior, devout, or righteous than they really are. It often implies hypocrisy or a show of piety for effect, making words like 'HYPOCRITICAL' or 'SELF-RIGHTEOUS' common answers.
Are there common synonyms for 'sanctimonious' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that frequently appear as answers include 'PHARISAIC', 'HOLIER-THAN-THOU', 'SMUG', and sometimes 'PIOUS' (when used ironically or to imply false devotion).
How can I figure out the letter count for 'sanctimonious' answers?
Crossword clues will usually specify the number of letters in parentheses, e.g., 'Sanctimonious (4)' for SMUG. If not, the puzzle grid itself will show the length of the required answer space.