casuistry

noun

ca·​su·​ist·​ry ˈkazh-wə-strē How to pronounce casuistry (audio)
ˈka-zhə-
plural casuistries
1
: a resolving of specific cases of conscience, duty, or conduct through interpretation of ethical principles or religious doctrine
2
: specious argument : rationalization

Examples of casuistry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But even those long familiar with spectacles of careerist expediency dressed up in faux-altruistic casuistry can only step back in awe when evidence of a new standard of cynical self-aggrandizement comes along. Gerard Baker, WSJ, 4 Jan. 2021 With his casuistry, Whitman seems intent on convincing himself, more than anyone, that this health regimen will work. Dan Piepenbring, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'casuistry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of casuistry was in 1723

Dictionary Entries Near casuistry

Cite this Entry

“Casuistry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/casuistry. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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