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

The hope of one day inheriting Cal’s construction empire was part of what motivated Nate to act so … violently in high school, but without the context of how that takeover happened, his success strains credulity. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Apr. 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

The TikTok tradeoff is dynamic scanning, selecting, and constructing in return for patience, credulity, and willingness to follow direction. —Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 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