denialism
noun
de·ni·al·ism
di-ˈnī(-ə)l-ˌi-zəm 
dē-
: the practice of denying the existence, truth, or validity of something despite proof or strong evidence that it is real, true, or valid
This depressing tale is the latest incarnation of denialism, the systematic rejection of a body of science in favour of make-believe.—
Debora MacKenzie
Debora MacKenzieHe [Henry Puna] said climate change denialism jeopardised the future of Pacific countries: "Some are not willing to accept the stark realities."—Ben Doherty
Ben DohertyThe problem of vaccine denialism is closely tied to the problem of information and authority in the digital age. People prone to skepticism can cover themselves with layers of pseudo-science and conspiracy theories that thicken and harden like papier mache.—Michael Gerson
Michael GersonGetting accurate information across in the face of this science denialism is something of a minefield, as there is evidence that attempts to correct misinformation may backfire, further entrenching the beliefs of science deniers instead.—Cathleen O'Grady
Cathleen O'GradyExamples of denialism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On platforms including TikTok and X, NBC News identified dozens of videos and posts — which reached over 10 million viewers, according to public view counts — that shared conspiracy theories related to Musk, Starlink and election denialism.
—Kat Tenbarge, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2024
The contest presents voters with a night-and-day choice between Republican Justin Heap, an attorney and state lawmaker who has often toed the line of election denialism, and Democrat Tim Stringham, a veteran and Naval Reserve attorney who is running as a defender of democracy.
—Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The results were evident in the right-wing media’s blame-shifting about the border crisis; in polls showing that many voters didn’t connect Trump to the repeal of Roe v. Wade; and in the GOP’s denialism about the January 6 attack.
—Brian Stelter, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024
Thiel, whose libertarian views have curdled into the anti-democratic, has for years funded a right-wing culture movement (if it can even be considered that) that includes film festivals, conferences, and media companies that tout anti-feminism and climate change denialism.
—Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 26 Sep. 2024
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Kat Tenbarge, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2024
The contest presents voters with a night-and-day choice between Republican Justin Heap, an attorney and state lawmaker who has often toed the line of election denialism, and Democrat Tim Stringham, a veteran and Naval Reserve attorney who is running as a defender of democracy.
—Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The results were evident in the right-wing media’s blame-shifting about the border crisis; in polls showing that many voters didn’t connect Trump to the repeal of Roe v. Wade; and in the GOP’s denialism about the January 6 attack.
—Brian Stelter, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024
Thiel, whose libertarian views have curdled into the anti-democratic, has for years funded a right-wing culture movement (if it can even be considered that) that includes film festivals, conferences, and media companies that tout anti-feminism and climate change denialism.
—Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for denialism
Dictionary Entries Near denialism
Cite this Entry
“Denialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denialism. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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