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.

The courts may invalidate specious claims that certain imports threaten national security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

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

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

You tighten the squeeze, mostly by adding all sorts of extra fees for consumers, under the specious claim that it’s actually going to drivers.

From Slate • Oct. 22, 2025

“His claims that the investigations surrounding him are specious — the investigations were appropriate,” Kastor added.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2025

Any connection, no matter how specious, might be used to justify his incarceration and extend it.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

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