theodicy
noun
the·od·i·cy
thē-ˈä-də-sē 
plural theodicies
: defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil
Examples of theodicy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the aftermath of the Holocaust, much theological debate within Christianity, Judaism and beyond centered on the question of theodicy, or how a god who is good coexists with a world that is often evil.
—
Emily Langer, Washington Post, 13 June 2024
Put it all together and we're left with a story of moral progress on multiple dimensions that serves as a kind of theodicy for most left-leaning Americans, and even for many on the center right.
—Damon Linker, The Week, 10 Aug. 2021
Each, in its way, engages with questions of theodicy.
—Wyatt Mason, Harper's Magazine, 20 July 2021
But over the decades his writings have retained enduring relevance among students and scholars wrestling with the question of theodicy, or how a god who is good could coexist with a world in which evil often prevails.
—Washington Post, 9 June 2021
That paradox—Why would a benevolent God create evil and permit suffering?—the question of theodicy, triggered my own crisis of faith.
—Cyrena Touros, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Mar. 2021
Seeing her construct her own theodicy from the simple process of observing and reasoning is like watching the passage of two thousand years over a few months.
—Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2021
By Annie Dillard Published in 1974, Dillard’s diary of a year spent by Tinker Creek, which runs near Roanoke, Va., in the Blue Ridge Mountains, combines close observation with a philosophical inquiry about theodicy.
—Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2020
He’s written an odd little book, a hodgepodge of music criticism, theodicy, biography, exegesis, meditations on fatherhood, and musings on his own prison ministry.
—Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2020
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.
Emily Langer, Washington Post, 13 June 2024
Put it all together and we're left with a story of moral progress on multiple dimensions that serves as a kind of theodicy for most left-leaning Americans, and even for many on the center right.
—Damon Linker, The Week, 10 Aug. 2021
Each, in its way, engages with questions of theodicy.
—Wyatt Mason, Harper's Magazine, 20 July 2021
But over the decades his writings have retained enduring relevance among students and scholars wrestling with the question of theodicy, or how a god who is good could coexist with a world in which evil often prevails.
—Washington Post, 9 June 2021
That paradox—Why would a benevolent God create evil and permit suffering?—the question of theodicy, triggered my own crisis of faith.
—Cyrena Touros, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Mar. 2021
Seeing her construct her own theodicy from the simple process of observing and reasoning is like watching the passage of two thousand years over a few months.
—Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2021
By Annie Dillard Published in 1974, Dillard’s diary of a year spent by Tinker Creek, which runs near Roanoke, Va., in the Blue Ridge Mountains, combines close observation with a philosophical inquiry about theodicy.
—Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2020
He’s written an odd little book, a hodgepodge of music criticism, theodicy, biography, exegesis, meditations on fatherhood, and musings on his own prison ministry.
—Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Theodicy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theodicy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share