credulity

noun

cre·​du·​li·​ty kri-ˈdü-lə-tē 

-ˈdyü-

: readiness or willingness to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence

Her description of the event strains credulity.

Synonyms

• credulousness
• gullibility
• naiveness
• naïveté
• naivete
• naiveté
• simpleness

Examples of credulity in a Sentence

the quack pushing the phony medicine was taking advantage of the credulity of people hoping for miracle cures

Recent Examples on the Web

In less assured hands, the combination of genres might have backfired terribly, but director Alan Gibson shepherds the production through its various tones without ever straining credulity in a way that impedes the entertainment value. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024

But the plot strains credulity to the breaking point. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2024

While some easy parallels can be drawn between this grab bag of famous names — Chesney and Buffett shared a close friendship, for example, as do Osbourne and Slash — feel free to have some fun in the comments about an amusing pair that could strain credulity. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024

But his idea of a conservative black urban mayor defies credulity. —Armond White, National Review, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see credulous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing credulity

• stretch credulity

Kids Definition

credulity

noun

cre·​du·​li·​ty kri-ˈd(y)ü-lət-ē 

: a willingness to believe statements especially on little or no evidence