Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

straw man

noun
|Updated on: 26 May 2018

Definition of straw man

1 : a weak or imaginary opposition (such as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted
2 : a person set up to serve as a cover for a usually questionable transaction

See straw man defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of straw man from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'straw man.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of straw man

1886

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

STRAW MAN Defined for English Language Learners

straw man

noun

Definition of straw man for English Language Learners

  • : a weak or imaginary argument or opponent that is set up to be easily defeated

Law Dictionary

straw man

noun

legal Definition of straw man

: an intermediary for a transaction (as a conveyance of real property)

Learn More about straw man

  1. See words that rhyme with straw man

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up straw man? 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

quail

play

to recoil in dread or terror

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  2. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  3. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  4. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

  5. suborn 'to induce to commit perjury'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

straw man

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

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