conspiracy theory
noun
plural conspiracy theories
: a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators
the conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy's assassination
also
: a theory asserting that a secret of great importance is being kept from the public
… is best known for … his conspiracy theory that a secret cabal of reptilian humanoids is running the world. —
Simon Little
Simon Little … has often been criticized for promoting conspiracy theories such as "birtherism," the theory that President Obama was not born in the U.S. —Grace Segers
Grace Segers Examples of conspiracy theory in a Sentence
Conspiracy theories sprung up soon after the leader's assassination.
Recent Examples on the Web
Democrats strongly opposed Kent's confirmation because of his past ties to far-right figures and conspiracy theories.
—Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
On the other is a more traditional faction — Ben Shapiro, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and the Turning Point USA orbit — that, while firmly right-wing, has drawn a clearer line against overt conspiracy theories and antisemitic framing.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
When Camus first imagined great replacement theory in Hérault on the eve of the twenty-first century, his conspiracy theory staggered around the fringes of global politics.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
The novel conspiracy theory rests on events and perceptions from years ago, and its reliance on retrospective interpretations of consent should give pause.
—Chloe Melas, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conspiracy theory
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.
Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
On the other is a more traditional faction — Ben Shapiro, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and the Turning Point USA orbit — that, while firmly right-wing, has drawn a clearer line against overt conspiracy theories and antisemitic framing.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
When Camus first imagined great replacement theory in Hérault on the eve of the twenty-first century, his conspiracy theory staggered around the fringes of global politics.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
The novel conspiracy theory rests on events and perceptions from years ago, and its reliance on retrospective interpretations of consent should give pause.
—Chloe Melas, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conspiracy theory
Cite this Entry
“Conspiracy theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspiracy%20theory. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
