meretricious
adjective
Apparently attractive but having no real value or integrity; showily and falsely attractive. Can also mean relating to prostitution.
Etymology
From Latin "meretricius" (of or relating to prostitutes), from "meretrix" (prostitute), from "merere" (to earn). The connection implies attractiveness offered for money.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The meretricious appeal of get-rich-quick schemes traps many investors."
- 2.
"Critics dismissed the film as meretricious entertainment lacking substance."
- 3.
"She saw through his meretricious charm to his selfish motives."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Despite sharing the Latin root "merere" (to earn), "meretricious" and "meritorious" have opposite meanings. This demonstrates how context shaped word evolution—one path led to "worthy" and another to "falsely attractive."
Word Game Tips
Letters: 12 letters (M, E, R, E, T, R, I, C, I, O, U, S)
Scrabble Value: 16 points
Tip: Look for common letter combinations like "ME" at the start of words.
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