Meretricious

/ˌmerəˈtrɪʃəs/
adjective

Something that appears attractive but has no real value or integrity.

He bought a meretricious necklace; it looked like gold but was actually plastic.
Visual representation of "meretricious" - Something that appears attractive but has no real value or integrity.

Often appears as...

  • meretricious ornament
  • meretricious elegance

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

adjective

Relating to or characterizing a prostitute.

The film depicted her in a meretricious role, causing controversy.
Visual representation of "meretricious" - Relating to or characterizing a prostitute.

Often appears as...

  • meretricious behavior
  • meretricious profession

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

adjective

Something that appears attractive but has no real value or integrity.

He bought a meretricious necklace; it looked like gold but was actually plastic.
Visual representation of "meretricious" - Something that appears attractive but has no real value or integrity.

Often appears as...

  • meretricious ornament
  • meretricious elegance

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

adjective

Relating to or characterizing a prostitute.

The film depicted her in a meretricious role, causing controversy.
Visual representation of "meretricious" - Relating to or characterizing a prostitute.

Often appears as...

  • meretricious behavior
  • meretricious profession

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "meretricious"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Hollow Attractiveness

Used to describe things that look appealing but lack substance or value.

Illustration for Hollow Attractiveness
The meretricious special effects in the movie could not make up for its weak plot.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Deceptively Enticing

Highlights something that can misleadingly draw attention or interest.

Illustration for Deceptively Enticing
He was captivated by the meretricious claims of the advertisement.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Superficial Charm

Indicates an external beauty or charm that's superficial and not based on genuine qualities.

Illustration for Superficial Charm
They were fooled by the meretricious charm of the con artist.
Visual representation of the word "Meretricious"

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Video examples

George Ayittey: Cheetahs...

It's dysfunctional. It is a meretricious fandango of imported systems, which the elites themselves don't understand. That is the source of many of Africa's problems

Video examples

George Ayittey: Cheetahs...

It's dysfunctional. It is a meretricious fandango of imported systems, which the elites themselves don't understand. That is the source of many of Africa's problems

Example 1 of 1
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