fallacy

[fal-uh-see] / ˈfæl ə si /

NOUN

illusion, misconception

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deception falsehood heresy inconsistency misinterpretation paradox untruth

STRONG

aberration ambiguity artifice bias casuistry cavil deceit deceptiveness delusion deviation elusion equivocation erratum erroneousness error evasion faultiness flaw illogicality inexactness invalidity misapprehension miscalculation misconstrual mistake notion perversion preconception prejudice quirk solecism sophism sophistry speciousness subterfuge

WEAK

non sequitur quibbling

Antonyms

STRONGEST

truth

STRONG

accuracy certainty conformity correction directness facing fairness frankness honesty meeting openness reality sameness truthfulness

WEAK

evidence fact right surety

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The sunk-cost fallacy tempts people to pay escalating premiums because they’ve paid for so long.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 15, 2025

That would be a fallacy, but Mr. Bottum didn’t commit it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

And as long as we believe in this fallacy of separation, that’s going to continue.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

It was a "fallacy" and "misunderstanding of the world" if people did not "believe that the online space is as dangerous for people as the streets," he added.

From BBC • May 24, 2025

“No, that is the great fallacy; the wisdom of old men. They do not grow wise. They grow careful.”

From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway

Vocabulary lists containing fallacy

Argumentative Writing

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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Power Suffix: -acy

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