FALLACY Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

fallacy

noun

ˈfa-lə-sē

Definition of fallacy

as in delusion

a false idea or belief the once-common fallacy that girls just weren't any good at math

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

as in deception

the quality or state of being false the fallacy of the notion of spontaneous generation was demonstrated by the Dutch naturalist Leeuwenhoek

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 fallacy Like being able to recognize logical fallacies and how to have media literacy. — Phillip Sitter, Des Moines Register, 7 May 2026 For example, the false dilemma logical fallacy has become a very popular way to persuade people to incorrectly believe there are only two options. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 Since the city adopted the video release policy more than a decade ago, experience has repeatedly demonstrated the fallacy of limiting inquiry to the precise moment when a police officer fires their gun. — Jamie Kalven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 This mindset, however, can also foster a sunk cost fallacy. — Kumar Rakesh Ranjan, The Conversation, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fallacy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fallacy

Noun

Blurring the boundaries between reality and delusion, psychological horror explores the mind in all its complexity, often leaving audiences questioning their own perceptions.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
In one case, the Jupiter family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Google, saying the company’s chatbot, Gemini, contributed to their son’s death by fueling severe delusions and eventually coaching him through taking his own life.

— Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2026

Definition of delusion

Noun

Harry and the six other high-profile claimants failed to prove their allegations that the publisher unlawfully obtained private information through methods including private investigators, deception, phone hacking and corrupt payments.

— Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Alleged privacy breaches include voicemail interception, phone hacking and obtaining personal information through deception.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of deception

Noun

What this framework dismantles is a common and counterproductive myth—that friendships either spark instantly or are not worth pursuing.

— Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
The movie, which starred an orca named Keiko, also dispelled myths about the killer whale and inspired activism around their captivity.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 July 2026

Definition of myth

Noun

Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.

— Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025

Definition of deceptiveness

Noun

The Rangers never found themselves in the game from the start, after opening with an error between infielders Nicky Lopez and Jake Burger that allowed the Astros’ Jeremy Pina to reach first before Yordan Alvarez followed up with a home run.

— Cal Phillips Updated July 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2026
The Diamondbacks took advantage of the Dodgers’ bullpen game — and three defensive errors.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of error

Noun

The experience works because technology supports the illusion rather than dominating it.

— Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Ukraine, though harboring no illusions about matching Russia’s long-range weaponry or the size of its fighting forces, has been ramping up domestic production of more advanced, longer-range drones and missiles.

— Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2026

Definition of illusion

Noun

The suit makes three claims against the organization (defamation, tortious interference and injurious falsehood) and asks a judge to award Barth and his firm more than $10 million in damages.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Critics say Yoon’s campaign further polarized the country by injecting falsehoods into already bitter political disputes and making compromise increasingly difficult.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026

Definition of falsehood

Browse Nearby Words

fallaciousness

fallacy

fal-lal

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“Fallacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fallacy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fallacy

noun

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