noun

sophistry

/ˈsɒfɪstri/ · say it: SAH·fis·tree

clever but misleading argument

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (noun) the use of clever but false arguments to deceive someone

2. (noun) a clever-sounding argument that is actually wrong or misleading

Examples

1. His defense relied on sophistry rather than honest facts.
2. Don't be fooled by the sophistry in that advertisement—the claim isn't actually supported by evidence.

How to use sophistry

Sophistry refers specifically to deliberately misleading reasoning that sounds plausible but is logically flawed, often used to criticize arguments in debates, politics, or rhetoric. It carries a strong negative judgment, implying intentional deception rather than innocent error. The term is more formal and intellectual than simple 'lie' or 'trick.'

Common phrases

resort to sophistry
sophistry and deception
mere sophistry
expose sophistry
sophistry argument

Synonyms

deception · fallacy · casuistry · equivocation · trickery

Opposites

honesty · truth · candor

Word family

sophist · sophistic · sophistical · sophistically

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use sophistry to mean simply a complex or difficult argument, when it specifically denotes a false or misleading one.

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