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

• antisophistry
  noun

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

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

But for a majority of the country, that will sound like so much sophistry.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2021

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

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan