reeks of hypocrisy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'reeks of hypocrisy' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it in a sentence such as: "His speech about kindness and cooperation reeks of hypocrisy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It reeks of hypocrisy and you know why.

The Guardian

Having criticised the previous government for operating a nanny state, this reeks of hypocrisy.

Independent

"It reeks of hypocrisy," said Dan Ronayne, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee.

The New York Times

Rubio also echoed Cruz's condemnation of the BDS movement and said "it reeks of hypocrisy".

The Guardian

"Kerry's condemnation reeks of hypocrisy given the fact that his campaign surrogates are on the attack echoing the same baseless charges," Mr. Schmidt said.

The New York Times

"I would say the idea that this is retaliation for him speaking up defies history and reeks of hypocrisy," Mr. Stern said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The machinations necessary to bring it about would reek of hypocrisy and bad faith.

The New Yorker

The site starts reeking of hypocrisy when you weigh the foundation's mission statement against the actual words Shkreli writes out on Twitter.

TechCrunch

To him the procedure reeked of hypocrisy.

Wikipedia

In Lampedusa ten days ago, the air was not only full of the stench of the decaying bodies of drowned Africans -- men, women, and children -- it reeked of hypocrisy.

Huffington Post

Imus praised a New York Daily News column that said Gingrich's comments "reek of hypocrisy" and offered up his own criticism of the GOP candidate.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "reeks of hypocrisy" when you want to strongly emphasize the presence of insincerity or a blatant contradiction between someone's words and actions. It's particularly effective when calling out deceptive behavior in public discourse or politics.

Common error

While "reeks of hypocrisy" is impactful, overuse can diminish its effect. Vary your language by using alternatives like "smacks of insincerity" or "rings hollow" to maintain a nuanced and engaging tone in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reeks of hypocrisy" functions as a judgmental expression. It is used to strongly assert that something gives the impression of being insincere or contradictory. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is used to express disapproval and highlight a lack of integrity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reeks of hypocrisy" is a common and effective way to express a strong sense of insincerity or contradiction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, consider its judgmental nature and the potential for overuse. Alternatives like "smacks of insincerity" or "betrays a contradiction" can offer more nuanced expressions. While widely understood, its register leans towards neutral, making it suitable for various writing contexts, though perhaps less appropriate for highly formal documents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smacks of insincerity

Emphasizes a lack of genuineness, focusing on the deceptive nature of the action or statement.

is steeped in double standards

Highlights the application of different rules or principles to similar situations, showcasing unfairness.

betrays a contradiction

Focuses on the inconsistency between what is said or professed and what is actually done.

exposes a pretense

Underscores the revealing of something that is meant to appear true but is actually false.

rings hollow

Suggests that a statement or action lacks sincerity or conviction, feeling empty and unconvincing.

is riddled with inconsistencies

Indicates multiple points where there is a lack of agreement or logical connection.

shows blatant disregard for principles

Highlights the open and unashamed violation of moral or ethical standards.

is demonstrably two-faced

Emphasizes the act of showing different attitudes towards different people.

is a charade

Implies that the situation or action is a complete pretense or deception, with no genuine basis.

is disingenuous

Indicates a lack of sincerity or candor, often with an intent to deceive.

FAQs

How do I use "reeks of hypocrisy" in a sentence?

The phrase "reeks of hypocrisy" is used to express that something strongly suggests insincerity or a contradiction in values. For example, "The politician's promises to support the working class "reeks of hypocrisy", given his history of voting for policies that benefit the wealthy".

What's the difference between "reeks of hypocrisy" and "smacks of hypocrisy"?

"Reeks of hypocrisy" and "smacks of hypocrisy" are very similar. "Reeks" often implies a stronger, more offensive impression, while "smacks" suggests a lighter hint. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What can I say instead of "reeks of hypocrisy"?

You can use alternatives like "smacks of insincerity", "rings hollow", or "betrays a contradiction" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "reeks of hypocrisy" in formal writing?

While "reeks of hypocrisy" is widely understood, it can be perceived as somewhat informal or emotionally charged. In very formal writing, consider using a more neutral alternative like "is inconsistent with" or "contradicts" to maintain a professional tone.