credulity

noun

kri-ˈdü-lə-tē How to pronounce credulity (audio)
Definition of credulitynext
as in gullibility
readiness to believe the claims of others without sufficient evidence the quack pushing the phony medicine was taking advantage of the credulity of people hoping for miracle cures

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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 credulity Because these stories have to dramatize a search for normalcy, its leads tend to be awkward in ways that strain credulity. — Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 Box Elder is all of that, multiplied to a scale that strains credulity. — Michael Posner, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026 Even if viewers didn’t know what direction Russia eventually took under Putin, however, the character’s powerful but coiled demeanor quickly makes apparent that such credulity has consequences. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026 Forgive the sarcasm, but this season broke my credulity meter months ago. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for credulity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for credulity
  1. gullibility
  2. belief
  3. credulousness
  4. simplicity
  5. credibility
Noun
  • Beyond the mystery at the novel’s core, Candlish examines themes of #MeToo harassment, truth versus fiction in social media trends, boomerang kids, and the fine line between gullibility and trust.
    — The Know, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Members must accommodate themselves to its fictions, with varying mixtures of gullibility and cynicism; followers shown proof that the leader has lied may admire him all the more for his tactical cleverness.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of gullibility
Noun
  • Under relatively stable conditions, those beliefs may remain quiet.
    — Shahrzad Jalali, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The two were discussing that deal and Ellison’s belief in the importance of the movie theater business to the industry.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of belief
Noun
  • Her credulousness has actually served Fox as a legal defense, since a person has to know a statement was false or show reckless disregard for the truth in order to be held liable for defamation.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of credulousness
Noun
  • Now manufacturers are reconsidering whether that simplicity is worth the waste.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The simplicity of the shoes paired well with her crimson-red sequined and beaded ensemble that landed right at her ankles.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of simplicity
Noun
  • Changes to hardware are necessary to restore the credibility of Europe’s nuclear deterrence.
    — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The issue ultimately comes down to credibility, an essential attribute for any press secretary.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of credibility

Browse Nearby Words

credos
credulity
credulous
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Cite this Entry

“Credulity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/credulity. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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