conspiracy theory
noun
plural conspiracy theories
: a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators
the conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy's assassination
also
: a theory asserting that a secret of great importance is being kept from the public
… is best known for … his conspiracy theory that a secret cabal of reptilian humanoids is running the world. —
Simon Little
Simon Little … has often been criticized for promoting conspiracy theories such as "birtherism," the theory that President Obama was not born in the U.S. —Grace Segers
Grace Segers Examples of conspiracy theory in a Sentence
Conspiracy theories sprung up soon after the leader's assassination.
Recent Examples on the Web
Election officials are trying to shoot down conspiracy theories about what is expected to be a very tight race between former President Donald Trump, a Republican, and Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
During the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump and his allies, including X owner Elon Musk, have promoted an unfounded conspiracy theory that undocumented migrants are being allowed into the U.S. to vote.
—Laura Doan, CBS News, 30 Oct. 2024
Similar conspiracy theories about down-ballot races have spread across the country.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 29 Oct. 2024
The turnover is one symptom of a county that is closely divided politically and has been buffeted by election conspiracy theories since Republican Donald Trump lost the state to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
—Christina A. Cassidy, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for conspiracy theory 
Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
During the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump and his allies, including X owner Elon Musk, have promoted an unfounded conspiracy theory that undocumented migrants are being allowed into the U.S. to vote.
—Laura Doan, CBS News, 30 Oct. 2024
Similar conspiracy theories about down-ballot races have spread across the country.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 29 Oct. 2024
The turnover is one symptom of a county that is closely divided politically and has been buffeted by election conspiracy theories since Republican Donald Trump lost the state to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
—Christina A. Cassidy, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for conspiracy theory
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conspiracy theory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to conspiracy theory
Dictionary Entries Near conspiracy theory
Cite this Entry
“Conspiracy theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspiracy%20theory. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share