denialism
noun
de·ni·al·ism
di-ˈnī(-ə)l-ˌi-zəm 
dē-
: the practice of denying the existence, truth, or validity of something despite proof or strong evidence that it is real, true, or valid
This depressing tale is the latest incarnation of denialism, the systematic rejection of a body of science in favour of make-believe.—
Debora MacKenzie
Debora MacKenzieHe [Henry Puna] said climate change denialism jeopardised the future of Pacific countries: "Some are not willing to accept the stark realities."—Ben Doherty
Ben DohertyThe problem of vaccine denialism is closely tied to the problem of information and authority in the digital age. People prone to skepticism can cover themselves with layers of pseudo-science and conspiracy theories that thicken and harden like papier mache.—Michael Gerson
Michael GersonGetting accurate information across in the face of this science denialism is something of a minefield, as there is evidence that attempts to correct misinformation may backfire, further entrenching the beliefs of science deniers instead.—Cathleen O'Grady
Cathleen O'GradyExamples of denialism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In her role as RNC chief, McDaniel also fanned the flames of election denialism after the 2020 presidential contest.
—Oliver Darcy, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024
The accusations are sure to further inflame division in Brazil, polarized by four years of Bolsonaro’s incendiary rhetoric, scientific denialism and hard-line conservative government policies.
—Marina Dias, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024
Which is to say: Is election denialism — and not just denialism but overt steps toward overturning a legitimate election — now just another political hot topic that reasonable people can disagree on, like tax rates or energy policy?
—James Poniewozik, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024
Election denialism, vaccine skepticism, and the great replacement theory are all prominently featured on the site.
—William Turton, WIRED, 26 Mar. 2024
Rubashkin said Lake is well-known in the state and closely identified with the kind of election denialism that voters haven’t rewarded.
—The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024
Then, last week, the show laundered Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s racist Civil War denialism.
—Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2024
Following the rapper’s comments, President Joe Biden shared a statement denouncing Holocaust denialism.
—Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2024
Prabowo’s opponents argue that his record of military brutality and antidemocratic election denialism has merely been obscured by a smart campaign and that power would be dangerous in his hands.
—Ben Bland, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2024
Oliver Darcy, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024
The accusations are sure to further inflame division in Brazil, polarized by four years of Bolsonaro’s incendiary rhetoric, scientific denialism and hard-line conservative government policies.
—Marina Dias, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024
Which is to say: Is election denialism — and not just denialism but overt steps toward overturning a legitimate election — now just another political hot topic that reasonable people can disagree on, like tax rates or energy policy?
—James Poniewozik, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024
Election denialism, vaccine skepticism, and the great replacement theory are all prominently featured on the site.
—William Turton, WIRED, 26 Mar. 2024
Rubashkin said Lake is well-known in the state and closely identified with the kind of election denialism that voters haven’t rewarded.
—The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024
Then, last week, the show laundered Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s racist Civil War denialism.
—Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2024
Following the rapper’s comments, President Joe Biden shared a statement denouncing Holocaust denialism.
—Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2024
Prabowo’s opponents argue that his record of military brutality and antidemocratic election denialism has merely been obscured by a smart campaign and that power would be dangerous in his hands.
—Ben Bland, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'denialism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near denialism
Cite this Entry
“Denialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denialism. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
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