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
The maneuvers were spotted, using ADS-B Exchange data and ATC recording, by conspiracy theory debunking website Metabunk, reported on by The Warzone and posts from the flight tracking X account Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51).
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Caroline Kennedy’s son, Jack Schlossberg, has been particularly outspoken on social media about RFK Jr., who has advanced conspiracy theories about the JFK and RFK assassinations.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
On the social media platform X, the images sparked conspiracy theories about human trafficking at the site because of the message and because the location is near a shipping yard.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025
These historic challenges are amplified by the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories that blur the line between facts and fiction.
—Juan Manuel Santos, TIME, 28 Jan. 2025
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Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Caroline Kennedy’s son, Jack Schlossberg, has been particularly outspoken on social media about RFK Jr., who has advanced conspiracy theories about the JFK and RFK assassinations.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
On the social media platform X, the images sparked conspiracy theories about human trafficking at the site because of the message and because the location is near a shipping yard.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025
These historic challenges are amplified by the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories that blur the line between facts and fiction.
—Juan Manuel Santos, TIME, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for conspiracy theory
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Cite this Entry
“Conspiracy theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspiracy%20theory. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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