as in gullibility
readiness to believe the claims of others without sufficient evidence the quack pushing the phony medicine was taking advantage of the credulity of people hoping for miracle cures

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of credulity The only issue is that the entire theory strains credulity. Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Despite a rocky use of the miscommunication trope the stretches credulity slightly, the novel celebrates love stories and the possibility of magic made real. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025 As the second season wears on, this notion warps the plot in ways that strain credulity, and the series’ innumerable cliffhangers gum up the narrative with artificial tension. Daniel A. Gross, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025 In his absence — and the long-term absences, at various times, of Barnes, Quickley, Barrett, Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk and others — the Raptors have had to throw out some lineups that strain credulity as legitimate NBA lineups. Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for credulity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for credulity
Noun
  • And in a world where time is money, conditions are ripe for a perfect storm of greed, deceit, and willful gullibility—all in the hope of getting ahead faster than the rest.
    Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Ignoring the problem of online gullibility felt irresponsible – even negligent.
    Sam Wineburg, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Contrary to her husband’s belief, she is not chased by paparazzi.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The vast majority of citizens no longer trust that hard work pays off and belief in the American dream has hit a record low.
    John Hope Bryant, Time, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In today’s digital world, jobs that require teens to disconnect from screens and interact face-to-face mean more time engaged in the real world around less time extricated in virtual naivete.
    Rachel Greszler, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, there’s an endearing naiveté to Hechinger’s performance.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Was one of Forest’s virtues last season their relative simplicity, which will now be disrupted?
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • For now, the company is betting that simplicity will appeal to customers.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Guided by these experts, the team establishes credibility backed by science and best practices.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Stress has been building at the long-end of the yield curve, where investors are most sensitive to fiscal credibility.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Credulity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/credulity. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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