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

Arabella feeds this delusion by picking up on the vibe, reading the grown-up’s nametag, and insisting that her name is Holly too.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
That volatility mirrors the album’s overall mood and thematic POV; TOY COLLAGES feels like one big, bad trip, Dean careening through the existential delusions of those around them before turning toward their own.

— Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026

Definition of delusion

Noun

Camouflage, concealment, and deception Protecting missile infrastructure also depends on preventing an adversary from developing an accurate target list.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
The snake charmer is, in effect, a stand-in for Gérôme, whose art relies on seduction and deception.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Definition of deception

Noun

In all likelihood, the legends of those battles, passed down through song, grew into myth, hence how the character of Odysseus was probably born.

— Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
The filmmaker who has spent his career defending the theatrical experience adapts one of literature’s foundational myths on an enormous scale.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 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

He was tipped for the final in 2018, 2022 and this time, but key errors have cost him.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Sanders noted that the president’s proclamation, which imposed a partial travel ban on holders of Antigua and Barbuda passports, contained several factual errors.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

Definition of error

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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Style

“Fallacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fallacy. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fallacy

noun

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