CREDULOUSNESS Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

credulousness

noun

as in credulity

readiness to believe the claims of others without sufficient evidence her inveterate credulousness makes her an easy target for practical jokes

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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 credulousness Her credulousness has actually served Fox as a legal defense, since a person has to know a statement was false or show reckless disregard for the truth in order to be held liable for defamation. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for credulousness

Noun

The earlier series has increasingly strained credulity by having its romance plots hinge on inequalities of gender and class, but seldom of race.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026
The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of credulity

Noun

Members must accommodate themselves to its fictions, with varying mixtures of gullibility and cynicism; followers shown proof that the leader has lied may admire him all the more for his tactical cleverness.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Mason highlights – with levity and humor – how erroneous ideas, gullibility, and blinders can lead even people who should know better down rabbit holes.

— Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026

Definition of gullibility

Noun

Political opinions become more certain than the underlying beliefs.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
The Bears are currently 10-point favorites, and Colorado has not done much of anything since 2024 to instill belief that Coach Deion can build a winner in Boulder.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of belief

Noun

The distance between the first R and the fourth is where credibility with a board is won or lost.

— Pankaj Prasoon, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Late Wednesday, a group of business associations, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti, issued a joint press release calling for more effort in organization and stressed the need for credibility and transparency in the process.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of credibility

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credulously

credulousness

creed

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“Credulousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/credulousness. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of credulousness

noun

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