Meretricious

The adjective 'meretricious' describes something that appears attractive and appealing on the surface but lacks genuine value, integrity, or merit. The term often carries a connotation of superficiality and deceptiveness, particularly in contexts where something alluring masks its underlying emptiness or insincerity. It may refer to appearances in art, literature, fashion, or behavior that are designed to impress or entice without substance.

Meretricious meaning with examples

• The meretricious glitz of the Hollywood awards show failed to overshadow the significant social issues affecting the entertainment industry, demonstrating that while the spectacle drew viewers in, the substantive discussions about diversity and representation were ultimately neglected in favor of superficial glamour.
• Though the merchandise on display looked stunningly beautiful, the meretricious quality of the items soon became apparent; they were poorly made and fell apart after just a few uses, leaving buyers frustrated at how they were lured in by mere appearances.
• He quickly discovered that her meretricious charm was simply a façade; behind the dazzling smile and flirtatious banter lay a disheartening lack of character and warmth, leading him to realize that real connections are built on something far deeper than mere attraction.
• The novel was filled with meretricious characters who seemed larger-than-life but were ultimately one-dimensional and shallow. Their exaggerated traits entertained readers momentarily but did not provide any lasting insights or emotional resonance, underlining the pitfalls of style over substance.