sophistry
subtly deceptive reasoning that seems plausible but is flawed
Word origin: From Greek sophistes, a clever but tricky reasoner.
Sophistry in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing sophistry in a sentence.
The lawyer's argument collapsed once the sophistry was exposed.
The lawyer's argument was clever sophistry, leading the jury step by plausible step to a false conclusion.
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Verbal · Sentence Equivalence
The startup's early growth, impressive as it looked on paper, rested on a blank foundation, for a single lost contract was enough to push the firm to the brink of collapse.
Using “sophistry” well
Sophistry is reasoning that appears sound but is deliberately deceptive or fallacious. It implies cleverness in service of a misleading end, not honest error.
More GRE words starting with S
to deliberately damage or obstruct something, especially in secret
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excessively sweet or sentimental in a cloying way
regarded as too important or sacred to be altered or criticized
having keen practical judgment and discernment
soundness of judgment and acuteness of discernment
most noticeable or important; standing out prominently
of a sickly yellowish or pale complexion
Questions about “sophistry”
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