credulous

adjective

Definition of credulousnext
as in naive
too willing to believe things without substantial proof Few people are credulous enough to believe such nonsense. a credulous audience

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of credulous The plot involving Alison’s residency at an elite scholarly retreat is a bit less compelling, perhaps because Alison can seem a bit credulous. — Elizabeth Toohey, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2026 That act of imagination—that force of creative will, directed upon one’s own inner vision—is far more interesting to me than either a purely functionalist understanding of flight or a purely credulous one. — Chandler Fritz, The New York Review of Books, 21 Mar. 2026 The dissenting conservatives—Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito—who were sympathetic to major questions in its prior applications are more credulous this time. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026 Frequently, the seniors and social media debate tends to adopt a blanket approach, framing them as passive algorithmic victims that are credulous, overwhelmed and in need of rescue. — Angelica Mari, Forbes.com, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for credulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for credulous
  1. naive
  2. gullible
  3. innocent
Adjective
  • Only the most naïve of lawmakers believe there won’t be consequences to taxpayers that will lead to their constituents paying more taxes.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Unauthorized sequels reveal the extremes of why people make movies in the first place, from purely cynical money grabs to pure — even naive — devotion to characters and their world.
    — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of naive
Adjective
  • This model worked for well over a decade because, in those go-go speculative days, there was an ongoing influx of gullible retail investors eager to prop up the token flippers.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026
  • Colocousis said people who think scam victims like him are gullible idiots don’t understand the sophistication of criminal organizations behind online fraud.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Definition of gullible
Adjective
  • Other officers helped the innocent driver walk to a nearby gas station.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
    — ByTony Atkins, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of innocent

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credulity
credulous
credulously
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Cite this Entry

“Credulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/credulous. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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