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Showing results for specious. Search instead for specious/2.
Definitions

specious

[spee-shuhs] / ˈspi ʃəs /
ADJECTIVE
misleading
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deceptive erroneous false inaccurate incorrect plausible spurious untrue
WEAK
apparent apparently right beguiling captious casuistic colorable credible delusive empty fallacious flattering hollow idle illogical likely nugatory ostensible ostentatious presumable presumptive pretentious probable seeming sophistic sophistical sophisticated unsound vain wrong
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accurate correct genuine honest real right true truthful valid
WEAK
credible

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.

As a 25-year high-school math teacher in Alameda, Calif., I’ve listened to all the specious, spurious, self-serving excuses for denying students and families educational choice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

The “real, factual data” that underpinned Leavitt’s statement was specious at best.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

Musk realized that soon enough and tried to nuke the deal with specious arguments about bots and mismanagement.

From Slate • May 28, 2025

He also accused the businessman of "resorting to all sorts of specious legal twists" and claimed he should "start behaving respectfully".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025

Ralph had been deceived before now by the specious appearance of depth in a beach pool and he approached this one preparing to be disappointed.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.