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
From secret tunnels full of lizard people to a cursed horse statue, these are the most popular Denver Airport conspiracy theories.
—Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2024
Bell has also been endorsed by Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser, who has embraced the QAnon conspiracy theory and amplified a message in 2020 calling on Trump to invoke martial law to hold a new election.
—Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for conspiracy theory 
Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2024
Bell has also been endorsed by Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser, who has embraced the QAnon conspiracy theory and amplified a message in 2020 calling on Trump to invoke martial law to hold a new election.
—Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Conspiracy theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspiracy%20theory. Accessed 22 May. 2024.
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