false dichotomy

[ fawls dahy-kot-uh-mee ]

noun

1. a logical fallacy in which a spectrum of possible options is misrepresented as an either-or choice between two mutually exclusive things.

Word History and Origins

Origin of false dichotomy¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

That's just a false dichotomy: Israel—and only Israel—controls that land.

From The Daily Beast

You see, Beinart offers a false dichotomy: either J Street supports Presbyterian divestment or it does not.

From The Daily Beast

The way forward requires us to challenge this false dichotomy, which means challenging Zionism.

From The Daily Beast