fallacy

noun

ˈfa-lə-sē How to pronounce fallacy (audio)
Definition of fallacynext
1
as in delusion
a false idea or belief the once-common fallacy that girls just weren't any good at math

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deception
the quality or state of being false the fallacy of the notion of spontaneous generation was demonstrated by the Dutch naturalist Leeuwenhoek

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fallacy The fallacy of genetic essentialism Genetic essentialism is the concept that genes alone are the reason why someone develops a specific trait or behaves a certain way. — Shoumita Dasgupta, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025 That fallacy would be legal malpractice if argued by Loudermilk as a private lawyer. — Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2025 But the Lions’ rash of injuries this year could show the ultimate fallacy of that argument. — Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 The Harvard cognitive scientist Steven Pinker has had much to say about Whorfian fallacies. — Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for fallacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fallacy
  1. delusion
  2. deception
  3. myth
  4. error
  5. illusion
  6. falsehood
Noun
  • The guests are just monkeys with delusions of grandeur and civilization.
    — Joe Joyce, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The series, produced by AMC Studios, is set within the delusion bubble of Silicon Valley.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • Trickery, obfuscation, and deception are common in local politics.
    — Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Tyler Perry’s latest thriller, Duplicity, hits theaters today, March 20, delivering a suspenseful story of deception, justice, and betrayal.
    — Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of deception
Noun
  • Kennedy’s reaction to measles outbreaks alarms public health experts because the former lawyer embraces myths that vitamin A and cod liver oil are effective against the virus.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
  • When the team compared the genetic obesity risk scores with the data gathered from the questionnaires, quite a few myths got busted.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Except that is a simplification of what the original dialogue says, and a localization error with big consequences.
    — Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This week, fans began to read into what was either a slip-up or an error on the Starfield Creations website that showed at least one mod, now deleted, as having a PS logo as well as Xbox and PC.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of error
Noun
  • The wide front porch gives the illusion that the open-plan living and kitchen area extends past the exterior walls, through the (optional) all-glass double doors to the great outdoors.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The actress added square-toe boots and wore her blonde hair in a slicked style. 12 of 18 Alessandra Ambrosio For the Balenciaga Paris Fashion Week show, Alessandra Ambrosio opted for a navy blue sweater paired with illusion lingerie on the bottom.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • This is a dangerous falsehood that Kennedy has also recently repeated.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The failure of the Minsk accords leaves no doubt as to the risks of perpetuating such falsehoods.
    — Clare Sebastian, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of falsehood

Browse Nearby Words

fallaciousness
fallacy
fal-lal
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Cite this Entry

“Fallacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fallacy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of fallacy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fallacy

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