sophistry

American  

[sof-uh-stree] / ˈsɒf ə stri /

noun

sophistries plural

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

Derived Forms

• antisophistry
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• sophistries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sophistry

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

Explanation

Sophistry is tricking someone by making a seemingly clever argument, like a philosopher who argues that up is down and somehow convinces you. If you accuse someone of sophistry, you mean they’ll lie to make a point. The word sophistry has roots in ancient Greece. The Sophists were teachers who were celebrated in their time but were later thought to be more like con artists who would say anything to win an argument. Sophistry is like spin — it means twisting the truth to bend to one’s needs. Politician might accuse people who disagree with them of using sophistry.

Example Sentences

One judge said the claimed difference with gambling “is sophistry to the nth degree. . . . It’s still the house.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Hotez speaks frequently in public and has written two previous books refuting anti-science sophistry.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2025

Roberts uses sophistry to avoid answering those bigger questions.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2025

Rodgers said the bankruptcy judge's decision, which 3M is appealing, "should have ended the sophistry" and 3M's attempt to avoid liability.

From Reuters • Dec. 23, 2022

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

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan