1The meretricious decorations in the hotel lobby were a stark contrast to the drab, functional rooms.
2Critics accused the artist of producing meretricious work, more concerned with shocking the audience than with exploring genuine themes.
3The city's meretricious nightlife scene was a major draw for tourists, but locals often complained about the noise and disruption.
4The politician's meretricious speech was full of empty promises and platitudes, but lacked any real substance or policy detail.
5There is a fine line between elegance and meretriciousness in fashion design; one misstep can turn a beautiful garment into a gaudy monstrosity.