SOPHISTICAL Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

sophistic

adjective

variants or sophistical

Definition of sophistic

as in specious

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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 sophistic The characters are treated with odd touches of realism and their sophistic arguments are stingingly psychologized. — Charles McNulty, latimes.com, 8 Sep. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophistic

Adjective

In the world of wellness and health content, few areas of our anatomy attract more interest lately — and specious claims — than the gut microbiome.

— Will Stone, NPR, 22 June 2026
In fairness, concluding no one cares is a specious take, at best, based on the evidence Tuesday.

— Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 10 June 2026

Definition of specious

Adjective

Kara and Daniel Phillip, Lockport residents of 15 years, expressed similar safety concerns and beliefs that McGrew’s presentation, claiming property values would not decrease, to be misleading.

— Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
These differences make simple score comparisons between students receiving vouchers and those who remain in the public school systems misleading.

— Kendall Deas, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Definition of misleading

Adjective

Their ideas about it were often steeped in stereotypes suggesting that Buddhists were irrational and childish in their thinking.

— Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 July 2026
Scammers often use isolation tactics in phone calls to panic the listener and rush them into making irrational choices that often have financial costs.

— Ella Moore July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of irrational

Adjective

Their complaints have been mostly incoherent and illogical, with UEFA's statement in particular being laughably inaccurate.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026
In spite of D'Arcy's best efforts, Rhaenyra is an impenetrable character with illogical choices and zero magnetism to the viewers (or seemingly, her councilors).

— Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026

Definition of illogical

Adjective

His certification is temporarily suspended due to excessive or unreasonable force from the incident, according to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

— Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Your request for back-to-back weeks off at the last minute is unreasonable.

— Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

Definition of unreasonable

Browse Nearby Words

sophisms

sophistic

sophisticate

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“Sophistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophistic. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sophistic

adjective

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