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

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.
Recent Examples of credulity 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 Confounding elements proliferate the picture, mostly dealing with character behaviors and situations that either strain credulity (like the Santa photo-op still running past the bar’s closing time) or lead to more questions than answers. Courtney Howard, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for credulity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for credulity
Noun
  • Grow by leaving awesome LinkedIn comments Identify your strongest beliefs Your commenting strategy needs a theme.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The new jewelry hall reaffirms the retailer’s belief that the category, in spite of a luxury downturn, remains strong with room to grow.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • This is the result of naivete: Who would want to hurt little old us?
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
  • 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
  • To stand and hold a place in simplicity is one of the most difficult things for any performer to do.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
  • With clean lines and monochromatic color schemes, minimalist bedrooms offer serenity through simplicity.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Without this trust, even the best AI solution can undermine the company’s credibility.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The bombing campaign against Iraq was only politically possible because Cohen had the credibility to assure his fellow Republicans and the nation that the military wasn’t acting to protect the president’s political interests.
    Time, Time, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Credulity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/credulity. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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