as in misleading
tending or having power to deceive
a specious argument that really does not stand up under close examination
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Recent Examples of specious
The standard government claim that the victims were either resisting, assaulting or otherwise behaving illegally toward the agents often have been specious and contradicted by evidence.
—
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2025
Inside, the layout is streamlined and intuitive, with a door-in-door compartment for quick grabs, a specious full-width drawer, and a three-tier organization system in the freezer.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 Aug. 2025
Both comparisons are specious and serve little purpose other than to radicalize the respective bases of each party.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 7 Aug. 2025
The ineffectual nature of California’s energy policies are why advocates of California going green fall back on specious arguments, like the idea that California must continue inflicting higher energy costs on its residents to inspire other states and even the world to follow suit.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specious
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2025
Inside, the layout is streamlined and intuitive, with a door-in-door compartment for quick grabs, a specious full-width drawer, and a three-tier organization system in the freezer.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 Aug. 2025
Both comparisons are specious and serve little purpose other than to radicalize the respective bases of each party.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 7 Aug. 2025
The ineffectual nature of California’s energy policies are why advocates of California going green fall back on specious arguments, like the idea that California must continue inflicting higher energy costs on its residents to inspire other states and even the world to follow suit.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specious
Adjective
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Behind the scenes, Newsom’s staff have taken a similar approach and tone, calling for the tabloid to change language in stories that the team feels is inaccurate or misleading.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
2 Feb. 2026
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An administration official would make a claim about what happened, and later evidence would find these contentions to be misleading.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This type of malware is often spread through fake software updates, malicious email attachments, compromised browser extensions or deceptive ads.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Feb. 2026
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Bright sunshine on Sunday will be deceptive as highs will only reach the low to mid-20s.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Their most recent lawsuit alleges trademark infringement and counterfeiting, along with false designation of origin and seeks unspecified damages from the online sellers.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
30 Jan. 2026
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His reflections on the controversies and critical snubbings that greeted movies that have since become consensus masterpieces are nuanced without descending into false modesty.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Specious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specious. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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