noun

propaganda

/ˌprɒpəˈɡændə/ · say it: PROP·uh·GAN·duh

biased information spread to shape public opinion

In more detail

1. (noun) information or ideas spread to influence people's opinions, especially in a way that is misleading or one-sided

2. (noun) the activity of spreading such information

Examples

1. The government used propaganda to convince citizens to support the war. 2. The organization spent millions on propaganda during the election campaign.

How to use propaganda

Propaganda always carries negative connotations, implying systematic deception or manipulation designed to promote a particular ideology or agenda. It is typically used in political, wartime, or ideological contexts. While similar to misinformation, propaganda emphasizes intentional persuasion rather than unintentional falsehood.

Common phrases

spread propaganda
anti-propaganda
propaganda machine
political propaganda
Nazi propaganda
propaganda campaign

Synonyms

disinformation · misinformation · indoctrination · agitprop · spin

Opposites

truth · objectivity · fact

Word family

propagandist (noun) · propagandize (verb) · propagandistic (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use propaganda as a neutral term for any form of public information or advertising, but it specifically denotes misleading or one-sided persuasion with an ideological purpose.

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