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
Debora MacKenzieHe [Henry Puna] said climate change denialism jeopardised the future of Pacific countries: "Some are not willing to accept the stark realities."—Ben Doherty
Ben DohertyThe 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
Michael GersonGetting 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
Cathleen O'GradyExamples of denialism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As Ars Technica reported last year, Kennedy wrote about his germ theory denialism explicitly in his 2021 book The Real Anthony Fauci.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
With Holocaust denialism and anti-Semitism on the rise, the university wanted to respond and recognize the importance of Holocaust education, Vrudny said.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 17 Apr. 2026
But such a visit would antagonize China and South Korea, where the shrine is viewed as a symbol of Japanese imperial aggression and historical denialism.
—Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
In recent years, Shasta County has been a hotbed for hard-right governance, election denialism and conspiracy theories.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for denialism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
With Holocaust denialism and anti-Semitism on the rise, the university wanted to respond and recognize the importance of Holocaust education, Vrudny said.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 17 Apr. 2026
But such a visit would antagonize China and South Korea, where the shrine is viewed as a symbol of Japanese imperial aggression and historical denialism.
—Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
In recent years, Shasta County has been a hotbed for hard-right governance, election denialism and conspiracy theories.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for denialism
Cite this Entry
“Denialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denialism. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
