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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.

Nearby in Debate & Persuasion

inference, deduction, fallacy, paradox, contradiction, ambiguity