as in conspicuous
formal + disapproving
attractive in a cheap or false way
meretricious beauty lacking in any real substance
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Recent Examples of meretricious
So ranked-choice voting was implemented as a stop-loss remedy — a move to camouflage the practices of an industry devoted to meretricious, often nihilistic entertainments.
—
Armond White, National Review, 27 June 2025
These meretricious narratives play well throughout the Global South.
—Michael Miklaucic, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025
These meretricious narratives play well throughout the Global South.
—Michael Miklaucic, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
But as a character study, with Holocaust themes deepening the stakes of the domestic turmoil, the play holds up extremely well in its critique of a world that has lost its capacity for silence and that is prepared to sacrifice literature for meretricious distraction.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024
Denzel Washington stars as Macrinus, a meretricious arms dealer who own a stable of gladiators, while Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are brothers and ruling emperors.
—Zoe Guy, Vulture, 1 July 2024
The bullying tactics being used to sell this boondoggle are underhanded and meretricious.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2024
You’re left with a feeling of overwhelming perversity, of a kind of meretricious, insane God out there playing games.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meretricious
Adjective
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There was a conspicuous gap in the center of downtown Detroit for a quarter century.—
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The score of the match wasn’t unusual, a 6-0, 6-0 win for Germany’s Lorena Schaedel; what was conspicuous was the performance of her opponent, the 21-year-old Egyptian Hajar Abdelkader, on what seems to have been her professional debut.—
Adjective
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What’s remarkable is the Leafs have done it without Tanev, their best penalty killer, for most of the season and without another top penalty killer, Brandon Carlo, for the better part of the last two months.—
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The whimsical term has also been the title of countless poems, songs and books about remarkable coincidences or eureka moments.—
Adjective
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The third-year quarterback was brilliant, going 15-of-20 for 206 yards and three touchdowns.—
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Their effort to find a home in Overtown seemed futile until Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who grew up in Liberty City, conceived a brilliant idea.—
Adjective
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While Microsoft is moving forward with some facilities, the company withdrew plans for a data center in Caledonia, Wisconsin, amid loud opposition to its efforts there.—
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This simple taupe geometric style peel-and-stick wallpaper is affordable, easy to apply, and looks gorgeous without being too bold or loud.—
Adjective
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The tint is sheer and subtle but makes a noticeable difference in evening out skin tone and camouflaging discoloration.—
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While Reconcept recommends sessions of at least 30 minutes, shorter experiences can still produce noticeable effects.—
Adjective
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Now that season 4 is airing, fans continue to dive into every eerie detail of the series’ dramatic setting.—
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At the heart of each villa is the Grand Salon, a unified living and entertaining space anchored by a dramatic double-sided glass fireplace.—
Adjective
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Le Pliage Green Medium Canvas Handbag The recognizable Longchamp Le Pliage tote also comes in a striking earthy canvas fabric, making this Le Pliage Green Medium Canvas Handbag another must-buy for the season.—
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Her voice is striking, full of bravery and humanity.—
Adjective
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The Directors Guild of America has named the nominees for its 2025 awards in the outstanding directorial achievement in television, commercials and documentary categories.—
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The Hollywood Reporter snagged a nomination again for outstanding magazine overall coverage in a list that also includes The Advocate, Cosmo, Gaye Magazine, Out, People, Poz, Rolling Stone, Time and Variety.—
Cite this Entry
“Meretricious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meretricious. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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