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
In Canada, there is currently a legislative initiative underway to declare such denialism a hate crime.
—Phillip Whiteman Jr., The Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2025
Election officials and experts believe voting conspiracies are far from dead in battleground Arizona, but denialism efforts appear to be taking a hiatus for now.
—Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024
Now, that whole franchise has been rendered awkward in hindsight by McCarthy’s subsequent turn into vaccine denialism.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
At the recent conference Zionism: A New Conversation, a presenter explained how Hamas rape denialism is sometimes excused or minimized by anti-Israel groups to support larger political goals.
—Diana Fersko, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
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Phillip Whiteman Jr., The Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2025
Election officials and experts believe voting conspiracies are far from dead in battleground Arizona, but denialism efforts appear to be taking a hiatus for now.
—Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024
Now, that whole franchise has been rendered awkward in hindsight by McCarthy’s subsequent turn into vaccine denialism.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
At the recent conference Zionism: A New Conversation, a presenter explained how Hamas rape denialism is sometimes excused or minimized by anti-Israel groups to support larger political goals.
—Diana Fersko, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for denialism
Cite this Entry
“Denialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denialism. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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