Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

sophism

noun soph·ism \ ˈsä-ˌfi-zəm \

Definition of sophism

1 : an argument apparently correct in form but actually invalid; especially : such an argument used to deceive
2 : sophistry 1

See sophism defined for kids

First Known Use of sophism

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

Learn More about sophism

  1. See words that rhyme with sophism Britannica English: Translation of sophism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sophism

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up sophism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

paste

play

to beat or defeat soundly

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. ideologue 'an often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology'

  2. socialism 'a way of organizing a society in which major industries are owned and controlled by the government'

  3. uphold 'to let stand'

  4. due process 'a course of formal proceedings (as judicial proceedings)'

  5. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

sophism

Test Your Vocabulary

Test Your Emoji Exceptionalism

  • test-your-emoji-exceptionalism-written-with-a-lot-of-emoji
  • What is this emoji intended to represent: 🤳
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games