credulous

American  

[krej-uh-luhs] / ˈkrɛdʒ ə ləs /

adjective

1. willing to believe or trust too readily, especially without proper or adequate evidence; gullible.

   Synonyms:

   unsuspecting, trustful

2. marked by or arising from credulity.

   a credulous rumor.

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credulous British  

/ ˈkrɛdjʊləs /

adjective

1. tending to believe something on little evidence

2. arising from or characterized by credulity

   credulous beliefs

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Other Word Forms

• credulously adverb
• credulousness noun
• noncredulous adjective
• noncredulously adverb
• noncredulousness noun
• overcredulous adjective
• overcredulously adverb
• overcredulousness noun
• uncredulous adjective
• uncredulously adverb
• uncredulousness noun

Etymology

Origin of credulous

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin crēdulus, equivalent to crēdere “to believe” + -ulus adjective suffix denoting a quality or tendency; -ous

Example Sentences

Psychologists know that people are credulous about the cognitive abilities of those who matter to them, overinterpreting simple responses as signs of cogitation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

Liz is a compelling creation, at once smart, sassy and wily, and there is fun to be had watching her slickly outwit credulous individuals.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025

He was already benefitting from credulous coverage from mainstream news organizations repackaging his open hatred of medical science as "tough" on Big Pharma or "promoting" healthy diets, all of which is flat-out false.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2024

We don’t think Rogan is a malevolent person, but he is credulous, and he was convinced.

From Slate • Nov. 9, 2024

In my confused and credulous state, the sight of the man in the demon mask startled me into wakefulness, the seductive warmth I had felt a moment ago vanished, leaving my body limp and leaden.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss