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
  • With logic against her, Rebecca opts for an emotional appeal.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Google’s logic is that this better protects the average user from downloading dangerous software from bad actors, while allowing power users and developers to continue sideloading onto their devices.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • When clinicians cannot verify the reasoning behind an AI response, the utility and integrity of clinical decisions come into question.
    Rhett Alden, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The reasoning can be found in an Easter egg manager Walt Weiss dropped Sunday after Elder allowed one run over six innings in the Braves’ win over the Diamondbacks at Truist Park.
    Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As part of this designation, Washington should establish a coordinating council for the biotechnology sector that includes DNA synthesis providers, AI model developers, genomic data platforms, cloud lab operators, and high-containment laboratories.
    Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • What comes back is a synthesis of whatever frameworks exist in the indexed literature.
    Camden Kaminsky, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Syllogism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/syllogism. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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