What term refers to self-righteousness and being hypocritical with false piety?

The term "sanctimony" aptly captures the essence of self-righteousness coupled with a sense of hypocritical moral superiority. It describes a demeanor where an individual may present themselves as morally superior or virtuous, often while lacking genuine sincerity in their beliefs or actions. This form of pretense often manifests as a show of piety or righteousness, typically to elevate one’s own status or to criticize others, all while failing to practice what they preach.

In the context of the other terms, "sanguine" refers to a cheerful or optimistic disposition, which does not relate to moral posturing. "Satiate" means to satisfy fully or to excess, typically used in reference to hunger or desire, and has no connection to the concept of self-righteousness. Lastly, "sententious" denotes a tendency to moralize in a pompous or self-important manner, but it does not carry the same connotation of hypocrisy or false piety that "sanctimony" does. Thus, "sanctimony" is the most precise term for the described behavior.