denialism

noun

de·​ni·​al·​ism di-ˈnī(-ə)l-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce denialism (audio)
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
He [Henry Puna] said climate change denialism jeopardised the future of Pacific countries: "Some are not willing to accept the stark realities."Ben Doherty
The 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
Getting 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

Examples of denialism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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What used to be fringe denialism has evolved into a sophisticated, and increasingly profitable, campaign to discredit science, undermine regulation, and politicize sustainability. Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 The questions swirling around this tragedy—about National Weather Service staffing, financing for flood-warning systems, evacuation reaction times, climate-change denialism—are a search for culpability. Erin Neil, New Yorker, 8 July 2025 By any measure, climate denialism is a poor way to duck culpability for humanity’s environmental messes. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 June 2025 Would the history department need to add a specialist in Holocaust denialism? Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for denialism

Word History

Etymology

denial + -ism

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of denialism was in 1874

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Cite this Entry

“Denialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denialism. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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