theodicy

noun the·od·i·cy \ thē-ˈä-də-sē \

Definition of theodicy

plural theodicies

: defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil

Recent Examples of theodicy from the Web

That mystery, rather too peremptorily stated in this story, is familiar in Trevor’s work, much of which could be read as problems in theodicy.

— katherine a. powers, WSJ, "‘Last Stories’ Review: A 20th-Century Chekhov," 11 May 2018
In religion, theodicy is the branch of writing that tries to explain how a perfect god would nonetheless make our lives so painful.

— wyatt mason, New York Times, "How Emmanuel Carrère Reinvented Nonfiction," 2 Mar. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of theodicy

modification of French théodicée, from théo- the- (from Latin theo-) + Greek dikē judgment, right — more at diction

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1797

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Philosophy Terms

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

Learn More about theodicy

See words that rhyme with theodicy Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about theodicy

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