sophistry

American  

[sof-uh-stree] / ˈsɒf ə stri /

noun

plural

sophistries

1. a subtle, tricky, superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning.

2. a false argument; sophism.

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sophistry British  

/ ˈsɒfɪstrɪ /

noun

1. 1. a method of argument that is seemingly plausible though actually invalid and misleading

   2. the art of using such arguments

2. subtle but unsound or fallacious reasoning

3. an instance of this; sophism

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Other Word Forms

• antisophistry noun

Etymology

Origin of sophistry

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English sophistrie, (from Middle French ), equivalent to sophistre “sophist” ( sophister ) + -ie -y ³, from Medieval Latin sophistria , from Latin sophista, sophistes; sophist ( def. )

Example Sentences

Roberts uses sophistry to avoid answering those bigger questions.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2025

"Legal sophistry" will not compel India to participate in the proceedings of the PCA, Bagchi said.

From Reuters • Jul. 7, 2023

This kind of sophistry is exactly what led to the inexorable collapse of the NCAA’s authority.

From Washington Post • Dec. 28, 2022

Notice FDR’s painstaking enumeration of the elements of his program, and his puncturing of his opponents’ sophistry.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2021

It sounded to her like sophistry, or an explanation for its own sake.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan