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
Redistricting shifted Clyde’s voter base from people who aligned with his gun-toting brand to residents who view guns and election denialism as abnormal.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2026
Democracy advocates and Democratic Party leaders say they are alarmed by the denialism but say the issue is likely to take a back seat to other voter concerns such as affordability.
—Arkansas Online, 11 May 2026
More recently, nearby Shasta County has become a hotbed of election denialism and MAGA politics, with its Board of Supervisors voting in 2023 to end the use of Dominion Voting Systems machines in favor of pursuing a hand-counting system.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
As Ars Technica reported last year, Kennedy wrote about his germ theory denialism explicitly in his 2021 book The Real Anthony Fauci.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for denialism
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.
Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2026
Democracy advocates and Democratic Party leaders say they are alarmed by the denialism but say the issue is likely to take a back seat to other voter concerns such as affordability.
—Arkansas Online, 11 May 2026
More recently, nearby Shasta County has become a hotbed of election denialism and MAGA politics, with its Board of Supervisors voting in 2023 to end the use of Dominion Voting Systems machines in favor of pursuing a hand-counting system.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
As Ars Technica reported last year, Kennedy wrote about his germ theory denialism explicitly in his 2021 book The Real Anthony Fauci.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for denialism
Cite this Entry
“Denialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denialism. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
