credulity

noun

cre·​du·​li·​ty kri-ˈdü-lə-tē 

-ˈdyü-

: readiness or willingness to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence

Her description of the event strains credulity.

Synonyms of credulity

• gullibility
• naïveté
• belief
• credulousness
• simplicity
• credibility

Examples of credulity in a Sentence

the quack pushing the phony medicine was taking advantage of the credulity of people hoping for miracle cures

Recent Examples on the Web

To stretch credulity even further beyond the breaking point, Jamie has to walk an untold distance from her house to the area around the venue in order to put her in alignment with Tom. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 24 May 2026

Even if viewers didn’t know what direction Russia eventually took under Putin, however, the character’s powerful but coiled demeanor quickly makes apparent that such credulity has consequences. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026

But the idea that athletic departments and their associated fundraising arms should be classified as tax-exempt nonprofits promoting education and amateur sports strains credulity. —Andrew Urbaczewski, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026

These kinds of leaks inevitably inspire breathless credulity on one side and cynical takes about the endless, investment-seeking hype cycle on the other. —Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see credulous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing credulity

• stretch credulity

Rhymes for credulity

• incredulity

Kids Definition

credulity

noun

cre·​du·​li·​ty kri-ˈd(y)ü-lət-ē 

: a willingness to believe statements especially on little or no evidence