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Dictionary Entry

sophism

noun

Find the meaning of the word sophism, plus dictionary definition, pronunciation, thesaurus-style synonyms, antonyms, and related vocabulary.

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Meaning

Dictionary meaning in a clear, student-friendly format.

A clever but false argument, often used to deceive or mislead, appearing plausible but actually fallacious.

Example Sentence

His argument was a clever sophism, designed to distract from the real issue rather than address it directly.

Usage Note

Use "sophism" when describing an argument that sounds plausible but is actually based on faulty reasoning or is intended to mislead. It's often used in discussions about logic, rhetoric, or debate to point out a deceptive argument, highlighting its clever but ultimately flawed nature. For instance, you might say, "The politician's claim was a mere sophism, designed to win votes rather than present