denialism

noun

de·​ni·​al·​ism di-ˈnī(-ə)l-ˌi-zəm 

dē-

: the practice of denying the existence, truth, or validity of something despite proof or strong evidence that it is real, true, or valid

This depressing tale is the latest incarnation of denialism, the systematic rejection of a body of science in favour of make-believe.

—Debora MacKenzie

He [Henry Puna] said climate change denialism jeopardised the future of Pacific countries: "Some are not willing to accept the stark realities."

—Ben Doherty

The problem of vaccine denialism is closely tied to the problem of information and authority in the digital age. People prone to skepticism can cover themselves with layers of pseudo-science and conspiracy theories that thicken and harden like papier mache.

—Michael Gerson

Getting accurate information across in the face of this science denialism is something of a minefield, as there is evidence that attempts to correct misinformation may backfire, further entrenching the beliefs of science deniers instead.

—Cathleen O'Grady

Examples of denialism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hover over the speakers to see their names Election denialism will be on full display. —Clara Ence Morse, Washington Post, 16 July 2024

Buck, a founding member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, increasingly broke with his party on policy issues and was outspoken against the election denialism in the GOP conference. —Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 July 2024

And thanks to the climate denialism of Bolsonaro and his lieutenants, its environmental policy was in tatters. —Hussein Kalout, Foreign Affairs, 15 Mar. 2023

Opinion The Great Democratic Freakout is upon us Opinion Trump’s unqualified VP faves might mean a Palin redux for the GOP Opinion Election denialism isn’t gone. —Eugene Robinson, Washington Post, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

denial + -ism

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above