specious

adjective

ˈspē-shəs How to pronounce specious (audio)
Definition of speciousnext
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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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 As expected, Harald attacks Lakey with all of his specious assumptions. — Literary Hub, 22 May 2026 The metaphor of perfect communication as nodding to our contemporary AI revolution is specious beyond a point. — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 May 2026 His lawyer, John Carman, said federal prosecutors dressed up a mundane paperwork case with specious suggestions that Lu was involved in spying and intelligence gathering. — ABC News, 13 May 2026 The majority, rather than being rattled by a president who had attempted a coup, labored to protect the country from the hypothetical danger of a presidency rendered impotent by specious criminal prosecutions. — Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specious
  1. misleading
  2. deceptive
  3. false
Adjective
  • Experts pointed to a number of possibilities for voters’ decisions, including what some characterized as successful but potentially misleading messaging by the opposition and confusion over the complex measure.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Should companies face tougher penalties for advertising misleading health benefits, especially when someone's financial security could be at stake?
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of misleading
Adjective
  • Voters across the country saw through the deceptive tactics utilized by super PACs, corporations, and nonprofits.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The agency said undisclosed collection or use of personal information to personalize prices could violate the FTC Act’s prohibition on unfair or deceptive practices.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Lina Attalah, a co-founder and editor-in-chief of Mada Masr, is challenging a one-year prison sentence and a fine imposed in absentia on charges of operating a website without a license and spreading false news.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Numerous European carriers were hit with false bomb threats last week, including Irish airlines Aer Lingus and Ryanair, Hungarian carrier Wizz Air and Polish Airlines.
    — Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of false

Browse Nearby Words

specimens
specious
speciousness
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Cite this Entry

“Specious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specious. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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