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Showing results for specious. Search instead for specios.
Definitions

specious

[spee-shuhs] / ˈspi ʃəs /
ADJECTIVE
misleading
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deceptive erroneous false inaccurate incorrect plausible spurious untrue
WEAK
apparent apparently right beguiling captious casuistic colorable credible delusive empty fallacious flattering hollow idle illogical likely nugatory ostensible ostentatious presumable presumptive pretentious probable seeming sophistic sophistical sophisticated unsound vain wrong
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accurate correct genuine honest real right true truthful valid
WEAK
credible

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Charges that the Panama Canal Authority is in cahoots with China have always been specious.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

The “real, factual data” that underpinned Leavitt’s statement was specious at best.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

These specious arguments fell flat and Congress exercised its 15th Amendment authority to stamp out efforts to prevent or intimidate Black citizens from voting.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2025

He also accused the businessman of "resorting to all sorts of specious legal twists" and claimed he should "start behaving respectfully".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025

Any connection, no matter how specious, might be used to justify his incarceration and extend it.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.