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fallacy

noun

ˈfa-lə-sē How to pronounce fallacy (audio)
Definition of fallacynext
1
as in delusion
a false idea or belief the once-common fallacy that girls just weren't any good at math

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 The sunk cost fallacy is the silent killer of rational decision-making. — Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fallacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fallacy
  1. delusion
  2. deception
  3. myth
  4. deceptiveness
  5. error
  6. falseness
  7. illusion
  8. falsehood
Noun
  • Neither Simring nor Hasson could say when the delusion had started.
    — Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • One of the most compelling thematic ideas in your film is the distinction between a stunt driver and a daredevil — real craft versus reckless delusion.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • These are two examples of politicians' truths among a plethora of others that are really lies, distortions, deceptions and desecrations of the citizens' trust in them.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In the acquisition space, the Nats traded Jake Bennett, who sits 93 and relies on deception and command, to the Red Sox for Luis Perales, who sits 99 with a gnarly splitter.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • Along with names comes a geography of stories, legends, and myths, sewn into the culture and history of the many people who have lived and live—for now—alongside them.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, in one crucial scene, Lion delivers a speech that myth-busts perfectionism to the kids’ parents, who are unmoved.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 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 Reds tied the score in the bottom half on Swanson’s run-scoring throwing error at shortstop and Ke’Bryan Hayes’ RBI single.
    — Gary Schatz, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Let the machines do what’s mechanical—generating practice problems, flagging errors, grading the responses that are beyond discussion.
    — Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of error
Noun
  • The falseness of the medium, though, jibed with the falseness of most attempts, throughout American history, to make sense of this enormous, strange man.
    — Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of falseness
Noun
  • The secret behind the Miramar jean is Rag & Bone’s signature printing technique, which creates a shockingly convincing denim illusion on soft terry cloth.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The effect created the illusion of two ships, leaving the enemy unsure which one to target.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • Lindsay helpfully published a list of ten resources for debunking the most persistent falsehoods related to the attacks.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Enough is enough -- this spread of blatant and baseless falsehoods must stop.
    — Mike Toole, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of falsehood

Browse Nearby Words

fallaciousness
fallacy
fal-lal
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Cite this Entry

“Fallacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fallacy. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fallacy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fallacy

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