as in misleading
tending or having power to deceive
a specious argument that really does not stand up under close examination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 specious
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
All the effort of life, disguised as specious, distracted entertainment.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
This post will attempt to separate the fundamentals of what just happened to NPR and PBS from the noise and the chaotic politics of the moment that led to the defunding — bearing in mind that there have been plenty of specious arguments and claims on both sides of the issue.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
The administration for weeks ignored a court order to bring back only to return him to prosecute him on specious old allegations.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for specious
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
All the effort of life, disguised as specious, distracted entertainment.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
This post will attempt to separate the fundamentals of what just happened to NPR and PBS from the noise and the chaotic politics of the moment that led to the defunding — bearing in mind that there have been plenty of specious arguments and claims on both sides of the issue.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
The administration for weeks ignored a court order to bring back only to return him to prosecute him on specious old allegations.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for specious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specious
Adjective
-
There is no indication that the misleading edit was politically motivated.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Even if its 46 shots Sunday were a bit misleading, with many coming from manageable angles, that kind of volume isn’t possible without controlling possession.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The lawsuit, filed in New York federal court on Tuesday, brings claims for deceptive practices and false advertising, among others.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The complaints allow the public to report unfair or deceptive business practices, according to the agency’s website, and can prompt investigations from the office.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The title-winning standard has been lower in recent years; City won it with 86, 93, 89 and 91 points between 2020-21 and 2023-24 and Liverpool with 84 points last season, but some of those totals give a false impression.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The month prior, she was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for using marijuana while owning a firearm and making false statements about drug use, per the newspaper.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specious. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share