mountebankery

[moun-tuh-bang-kuh-ree]

mountebankery Definition

the behavior of a mountebank; pretentious charlatanry.

Using mountebankery: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mountebankery" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The politician's promises were nothing but mountebankery.

  • Example

    The company's claims of a miracle cure were exposed as mountebankery.

  • Example

    The salesman's exaggerated claims were a form of mountebankery.

mountebankery Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with mountebankery

  • a particularly egregious or outrageous example of pretentious charlatanry

    Example

    The psychic's claim to be able to talk to the dead was mountebankery of the highest order.

  • to reveal someone's pretentious charlatanry or fraudulent behavior

    Example

    The investigative journalist worked tirelessly to expose the mountebankery of the corrupt businessman.

  • someone who is particularly skilled at pretentious charlatanry or deception

    Example

    The con artist was a master of mountebankery, able to fool even the most skeptical of marks.

Origins of mountebankery

from Italian 'montambanco', meaning 'one who climbs on a bench'

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Summary: mountebankery in Brief

'Mountebankery' [moun-tuh-bang-kuh-ree] refers to the behavior of a mountebank, characterized by pretentious charlatanry. It is often used to describe fraudulent or deceitful behavior, such as a politician's empty promises or a company's false claims. Phrases like 'mountebankery of the highest order' and 'a master of mountebankery' emphasize the outrageousness and skill involved in such behavior.