syllogism

Definition of syllogismnext
as in logic
formal a formal argument that is formed by two statements and a conclusion which must be true if the two statements are true An example of a syllogism is: "All men are human; all humans are mortal; therefore all men are mortal."

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Recent Examples of syllogism And Lincoln has a famous syllogism where, If the Black man can be enslaved because his skin is darker than yours, then you can be enslaved by anyone whose skin is fairer than yours. David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 This syllogism is embraced by many Democrats, who are determined to recapture an industrial working-class base, and many Republicans, who use it as evidence that the government has sold out American workers in the heartland. Adam S. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021 Twitter users often accept a flawed syllogism by using a conclusion as one of the premises – namely, that the platform spreads truthful information. Aaron Duncan, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2020 Chairman Xi will undoubtedly want to prevent this syllogism from presenting itself to the minds of Chinese Christians. Cameron Hilditch, National Review, 1 Oct. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for syllogism
Noun
  • At the time, logic dictated the culprit to be malaria because the couple had shown symptoms of the illness, including a telltale intermittent fever.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • South Africa closed its two major refineries in 2022 after new fuel regulations undermined their commercial logic.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Whatever the reasoning, financial advisers typically caution investors against keeping too much of their investments in cash, because a mix of stocks and bonds historically yields a better return.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 18 July 2026
  • Leaders need visibility into actions AI systems take, including what data, context and reasoning informed those actions.
    Dave Link, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • This synthesis helps students achieve fluency milestones more quickly than traditional digital models.
    Matthew Kayser July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • Writing orchestral music, even faux-orchestral music using samplers and synthesis, is radically different from songwriting.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Syllogism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/syllogism. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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