gullible

Or gul·la·ble

[guhl-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. easily deceived or cheated.

   Synonyms: green, simple, innocent, naive, trusting, credulous

gullible

/ ˈɡʌləbəl /

adjective

1. easily taken in or tricked

Other Word Forms

• gullibility noun
• gullibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gullible¹

First recorded in 1815–25; gull ² + -ible

Example Sentences

Many gullible liberal elites wish to believe that the radical jihadists of Hamas do not represent the broader Palestinian-Arab population, but that is a lie.

From Los Angeles Times

Morrow poses this riddle to an unsuspecting Hybrid once he figures out their adult bodies are governed by the malleable, gullible minds of children.

From Salon

This week, an article appeared there under the gullible headline “Republicans run a risky strategy for holding the House that rests on redrawn maps,” which for some reason required three bylines.

From Salon

But fear not, gullible Americans, Kennedy has promised to pinpoint a cause for the complex condition by September!

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Slinn added: "You just feel a bit stupid, don't you? You think 'how gullible can you be to give £5,000 to people you don't even know who they are?'."

From BBC

Related Words

• foolish 
• unsophisticated 
• unsuspecting 
• wide-eyed