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
Most of these judges are issuing specious rulings that will be overturned by higher courts, but these judges are only the first stop in a judicial process that will ultimately lead to the Supreme Court.
—
Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2025
Kennedy’s skill at flooding his audiences with specious claims that sound logical or highbrow was on full display during his 2023 interview with the podcaster Joe Rogan.
—Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
The specious comparison of women’s beach volleyball to football is not how a proper Title IX analysis works.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025
But Kirkwood and director Sarah Benson leave no room for such a specious critique.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for specious
Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2025
Kennedy’s skill at flooding his audiences with specious claims that sound logical or highbrow was on full display during his 2023 interview with the podcaster Joe Rogan.
—Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
The specious comparison of women’s beach volleyball to football is not how a proper Title IX analysis works.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025
But Kirkwood and director Sarah Benson leave no room for such a specious critique.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for specious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specious
Adjective
-
California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, filed a suit against ExxonMobil last year that, in part, accuses the oil giant of deceptive claims regarding chemical recycling, which the company disputes.—
Susanne Rust,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
-
During the defense’s cross-examination of Kid Cudi, lawyers representing Combs portrayed Ventura as deceptive of both men.—
Conor Murray,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
The decision to deploy Dembele as a false nine for a 3-1 home win over Lyon in mid-December proved the spark for a stupendous run of goal-scoring form in which the France international racked up 27 goals in only 22 appearances.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
Their accountant filed two false corporate tax returns, claiming one of the couple’s firms earned no money in 2015 and 2016.—
Howard Gleckman,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specious. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share