defy credulity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'defy credulity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is so unlikely or incredible that it's hard to believe. For example: "The stories of alien landings in the area defy credulity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Might I suggest that they use the tactic used by many modern Jews dealing with biblical narratives that defy credulity, from a six-day story of creation to Jonah living inside a large fish.

The New York Times

Mayor Ernest D. Davis's contention that Pelham's opposition to his plan to build a 285,000-square-foot mall next to our schools is based in racism is so outrageous and ludicrous as to defy credulity ("At Odds with Affluent Neighbor," Sept. 9).

The New York Times

Nor do we deal here with the basic "snitch" problem, in which offers of leniency by police result in a profusion of jailhouse confessions that defy credulity.

Huffington Post

Other partisans similarly defy credulity, particularly former Donald Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, who collected severance checks and advised the Trump campaign, with whom he had signed nondisclosure and non-disparagement agreements, while under contract with CNN.

Los Angeles Times

There are stories of colonization that defy credulity.

The New Yorker

Rolling Stones Peter Travers gave the film two (out of four) stars, saying that the film was not even "big, dumb fun" and criticizing the script; it did not "so much defy credulity as bludgeon it to death".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Do you know how that defies credulity?" Michael Burgess from Texas said.

The Guardian - Business

But Mr. Cain's further contention that he learned nothing more of the matter, she said, "completely defies credulity".

The New York Times

For starters, it defies credulity to believe that Mr. Hussein, literally holed up in the ground, has been directing the resistance.

The New York Times

The theory that cellphones cause brain tumors "defies credulity," said Dr. Eugene Flamm, chairman of neurosurgery at Montefiore Medical Center.

The New York Times

To our modern sensibilities it defies credulity that for more than four years European armies faced one another in a 500-mile line of trenches, stretching from the Belgian coast to the border of Switzerland.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defy credulity" when you want to express that something is so improbable or outrageous that it is difficult for people to believe. It's most effective when describing events, claims, or explanations that are almost beyond the realm of possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "defy credulity" for situations that are merely surprising or unexpected. The phrase is best reserved for instances that genuinely challenge the limits of belief, not just everyday occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defy credulity" functions as a verb phrase where "defy" (verb) takes "credulity" (noun) as its object. It expresses a strong challenge to one's ability or willingness to believe something. Ludwig AI confirms that "defy credulity" is correct and usable in written English, and the provided examples effectively illustrate its function.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defy credulity" is used to describe something so improbable or outrageous that it is difficult to believe. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. The analysis shows a neutral to formal tone, suitable for analytical or descriptive writing, commonly found in news media according to Ludwig's examples. The phrase's function is to express strong disbelief or skepticism about a statement or event. While several alternatives exist, such as "strain belief" and "beggar belief", it is important to use "defy credulity" accurately, reserving it for instances that genuinely challenge the limits of belief rather than everyday occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stretch credulity

Like "strain belief", this alternative emphasizes that credulity is being tested. Similar meaning and a direct replacement.

beggar belief

Emphasizes the extreme nature of something that is hard to believe, suggesting it's almost impossible to accept; more emphatic.

strain belief

Highlights the difficulty in believing something, rather than the act of challenging belief itself; it emphasizes the capacity for belief being tested.

exceed the limits of belief

This alternative emphasize the boundary of what is believable is being passed.

challenge belief

Focuses on the act of questioning or disputing belief, rather than the inherent incredibility of something; it is a more direct challenge.

push the boundaries of believability

Highlights the idea that something is at the edge of what can be believed, emphasizing its extreme or unusual nature; implies testing limits.

tax the imagination

Shifts the focus from belief to imagination, suggesting something is so outlandish it's difficult to even imagine; less about direct disbelief.

seem implausible

Suggests something appears unlikely or not credible on the surface, but doesn't necessarily inspire strong disbelief; a milder statement.

be beyond comprehension

Focuses on the lack of understanding, rather than disbelief, implying something is too complex or abstract to grasp; less direct.

defy reason

Emphasizes the logical impossibility of something, rather than its unbelievability; focuses on rational thought being challenged.

FAQs

How can I use "defy credulity" in a sentence?

Use "defy credulity" to describe events, claims, or explanations that are exceptionally difficult to believe. For example, "His excuse for being late defied credulity".

What does "defy credulity" mean?

It means that something is so improbable or outrageous that it is hard to believe. It implies that the event or claim challenges the limits of what people are willing to accept as true.

What are some synonyms for "defy credulity"?

Alternatives include "strain belief", "beggar belief", or "stretch credulity", which all express a similar sentiment of incredulity.

Is it appropriate to use "defy credulity" in formal writing?

Yes, "defy credulity" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing something unbelievable in a serious or analytical context. However, consider the impact of the phrase and whether a less dramatic alternative might be more appropriate.