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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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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 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
  1. credulity
  2. gullibility
  3. belief
  4. simplicity
  5. credibility
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
  • De facto general manager Duke Tobin defended his belief in them after the draft.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Glover credits his professional successes to this system, and his experiences over a decade at NASA have reinforced his belief in that kind of educational approach.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of belief
Noun
  • Black Beans and Sausage The simplicity of this dish allows the true flavors of each ingredient to shine through, meaning the earthy black beans won’t get lost in translation, even when paired with smoky sausage.
    — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Ebicos Those who don't mind a permanent camper installation might prefer the simplicity of the Happy Dreamer Electric, which deploys and retracts with a single push of a button.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of simplicity
Noun
  • But most importantly, Grossman said that an expert witness bears responsibility to preserve their important role in litigation and overall credibility.
    — Alyssa Spady, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Whether someone listened to tri-state area radio or not, Peter Rosenberg’s name carries credibility — something earned, not given — through a career in a difficult and often unforgiving industry.
    — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of credibility

Browse Nearby Words

credulously
credulousness
creed
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Cite this Entry

“Credulousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/credulousness. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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