specious

adjective

ˈspē-shəs How to pronounce specious (audio)
Definition of speciousnext
as in misleading
tending or having power to deceive a specious argument that really does not stand up under close examination

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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 The metaphor of perfect communication as nodding to our contemporary AI revolution is specious beyond a point. — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 May 2026 His lawyer, John Carman, said federal prosecutors dressed up a mundane paperwork case with specious suggestions that Lu was involved in spying and intelligence gathering. — ABC News, 13 May 2026 The majority, rather than being rattled by a president who had attempted a coup, labored to protect the country from the hypothetical danger of a presidency rendered impotent by specious criminal prosecutions. — Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 In its opinion, the district court admonished Aston for unhelpful responses, specious arguments, and sloppy portrayals of the statements alleged to be responsive. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specious
  1. misleading
  2. deceptive
  3. false
Adjective
  • As a result, choosing a plan based solely on monthly premiums can be misleading.
    — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Idaho Consumer Protection Act, enacted in 1971, protects consumers from false, deceptive or misleading representations, advertising, pricing and contracts.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of misleading
Adjective
  • The Idaho Consumer Protection Act, enacted in 1971, protects consumers from false, deceptive or misleading representations, advertising, pricing and contracts.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026
  • What Apple says about suspicious iMessages Apple says this type of deceptive messaging uses social engineering, a tactic in which scammers rely on impersonation and manipulation to persuade people to share personal information.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Screening mammograms miss about one in eight breast cancers overall, and people with dense breasts are more likely to get false-negative results, the American Cancer Society reports.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Overall, screening mammograms miss about one in eight breast cancers, and people with dense breasts are more likely to get false-negative results.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of false

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specimens
specious
speciousness
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Cite this Entry

“Specious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specious. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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