conspiracy theory

Definition of conspiracy theory

: a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators

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Examples of conspiracy theory in a Sentence

Conspiracy theories sprung up soon after the leader's assassination.

Recent Examples on the Web But several conspiracy theories in the wake of Monday's Iowa caucus delays falsely alleged that Mook was involved with developing a new app for reporting caucus results that caused headaches for Democratic officials and volunteers. — Billy Kobin, The Courier-Journal, "JCPS board member tweets 'f--- you' to national Democrats after Iowa caucus debacle," 6 Feb. 2020 The parts that are shrouded in mystery and the conspiracy theories have mostly been related to Netaji (Subhas Chandra Bose, who led the INA). — Manavi Kapur, Quartz India, "“Thankfully there’s no censorship on OTT, but sensationalism will only provoke authorities”," 23 Jan. 2020 CrossFit’s response had all the classic signs of a baseless conspiracy theory. — Tessa Love, Outside Online, "Greg Glassman’s Easy Health Care Fix: More CrossFit," 16 Jan. 2020 Some of the more witless pundits mock all this as mere conspiracy theory. — John Kass, Twin Cities, "John Kass: Will Washington media expose the liars who spun the Trump-Russia hoax?," 26 Dec. 2019 Rampant misinformation and conspiracy theories online have also added to the polarization and widespread sense of fear. — Jessie Yeung, CNN, "From an extradition bill to a political crisis: A guide to the Hong Kong protests," 20 Dec. 2019 Ever since his brother's arrest, David Whelan has tried to bat down conspiracy theories and disinformation about what Paul Whelan was really doing in Russia. — Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, "Paul Whelan and family continue to fight a year after he's accused of spying in Russia," 22 Jan. 2020 But this is a case that’s sparked countless conspiracy theories over the years, and a stray piece of wire near a dead man’s remains strikes some as suspicious. — cincinnati.com, "Accused podcast, Season 3, Chapter 6: Last day laid bare," 14 Jan. 2020 Critics pointed to this latest error as yet another example of incompetence on behalf of the BOP and the MCC that’s done little to quell conspiracy theories that Epstein did not kill himself. — Fox News, "Surveillance video of Epstein cell on night of 1st alleged suicide attempt deleted, 'technical errors' blamed," 10 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'conspiracy theory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near conspiracy theory

conspiracy of silence

conspiracy theory

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Last Updated

17 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Conspiracy theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspiracy%20theorist. Accessed 17 Feb. 2020.

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