denialism

noun

de·​ni·​al·​ism di-ˈnī(-ə)l-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce denialism (audio)
dē-
: the practice of denying the existence, truth, or validity of something despite proof or strong evidence that it is real, true, or valid
This depressing tale is the latest incarnation of denialism, the systematic rejection of a body of science in favour of make-believe.Debora MacKenzie
He [Henry Puna] said climate change denialism jeopardised the future of Pacific countries: "Some are not willing to accept the stark realities."Ben Doherty
The problem of vaccine denialism is closely tied to the problem of information and authority in the digital age. People prone to skepticism can cover themselves with layers of pseudo-science and conspiracy theories that thicken and harden like papier mache.Michael Gerson
Getting accurate information across in the face of this science denialism is something of a minefield, as there is evidence that attempts to correct misinformation may backfire, further entrenching the beliefs of science deniers instead.Cathleen O'Grady

Examples of denialism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Perhaps the dismay of his own fans will prove to be a corrective; in reaction to his latest wave of pro-Nazi rhetoric and overt Holocaust denialism, Reddit’s r/Kanye sub declared itself over and began filling with Holocaust awareness posts (and, more humorously, odes to Taylor Swift). Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025 Zuckerberg famously reversed the company's policies on Holocaust denialism following criticism. Avery Lotz, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 His pedagogy involves exposing his class, often uncritically, to conspiracy theories that include Holocaust denialism. Tajja Isen, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024 Still, ending widespread election denialism will ultimately require candidates who have pushed election fraud claims to refute them. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for denialism 

Word History

Etymology

denial + -ism

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of denialism was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near denialism

Cite this Entry

“Denialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denialism. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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