straw man

noun

1
: a weak or imaginary opposition (such as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted
2
: a person set up to serve as a cover for a usually questionable transaction

Examples of straw man in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Which is try to be reasonable and reasoned, try to apply logic, try to be fair, try not to straw man people on opposing sides of arguments. David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 Yet the events occurring within the Colorado bunker this season depict the real darkness that continues to permeate a society gutted and controlled by billionaires and vapid straw men. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026 But that straw man ignores the text of modern bills and laws, which include exceptions for emergencies and scheduling. Gleb Tsipursky, Washington Post, 21 Jan. 2026 This will enable the type of straw man circumstances to go underground and work at a global scale. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for straw man

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of straw man was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Straw man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20man. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Legal Definition

straw man

noun
: an intermediary for a transaction (as a conveyance of real property)
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