as in gullibility
readiness to believe the claims of others without sufficient evidence
the quack pushing the phony medicine was taking advantage of the credulity of people hoping for miracle cures
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of credulity
That the leader of a notoriously cruel occupying power would have shown such compassion for a militant rebel strains credulity and defies the historical record.
—
Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
The only issue is that the entire theory strains credulity.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
As the second season wears on, this notion warps the plot in ways that strain credulity, and the series’ innumerable cliffhangers gum up the narrative with artificial tension.
—Daniel A. Gross, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
In his absence — and the long-term absences, at various times, of Barnes, Quickley, Barrett, Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk and others — the Raptors have had to throw out some lineups that strain credulity as legitimate NBA lineups.
—Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for credulity
Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
The only issue is that the entire theory strains credulity.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
As the second season wears on, this notion warps the plot in ways that strain credulity, and the series’ innumerable cliffhangers gum up the narrative with artificial tension.
—Daniel A. Gross, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
In his absence — and the long-term absences, at various times, of Barnes, Quickley, Barrett, Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk and others — the Raptors have had to throw out some lineups that strain credulity as legitimate NBA lineups.
—Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for credulity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for credulity
Noun
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At Obermeyer, that belief is reflected in everything from internal development to community co-creation.—
Simon Mainwaring,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
Ukraine has its own problems with morale and desertion but one sentiment is likely far less prevalent among its ranks: lack of belief in the cause.—
Andrew Carey,
CNN Money,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
This is the result of naivete: Who would want to hurt little old us?—
Stephen Marche,
The Atlantic,
1 July 2025
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The secret is that Spike’s know-nothing naivete encourages us to see the world through the eyes of someone who’s new to every part of it.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
18 June 2025
Noun
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In uncertain markets, relevance, simplicity and clear value win.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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The essence of the review is evaluation, which of course doesn’t imply the crude simplicity of a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
For those building a coaching business, this credibility opens doors to corporate clients.—
Elissa Kelly,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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While many celebrity beauty brands struggle to gain credibility, Rhode has resonated.—
Essence,
Essence,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Credulity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/credulity. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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