1
Easily deceived
Likely to accept false stories, promises, or appearances as true.
Example
A credulous audience made the false rumor easier to spread.
credulous
/ˈkredjʊləs/ · KREJ-uh-luhsadjective
Too ready to believe claims and therefore easily deceived.
Use credulous for a person or audience that accepts questionable claims without demanding enough evidence.
What credulous Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Insufficiently sceptical
Failing to examine evidence or question an implausible claim.
Example
Credulous readers shared the dramatic article without checking its sources.
3
Overly trusting
Showing more confidence in a speaker or source than the available evidence justifies.
Example
The scheme succeeded because investors were credulous about its impossible guarantees.
Use credulous Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
A credulous audience made the false rumor easier to spread.
The advertisement was designed to persuade credulous customers with unsupported promises.
Even normally careful readers can become credulous when a claim confirms what they already believe.
Precision Matters
Credulous overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
credulous
vs.Is formal and stresses readiness to believe claims.
gullible
Is more conversational and stresses ease of being tricked.
credulous
vs.Usually criticises belief unsupported by adequate evidence.
trusting
Can positively describe confidence in other people.
credulous
vs.Specifically concerns excessive willingness to believe.
naive
Broadly suggests lack of experience, judgement, or worldly knowledge.
credulous
vs.Describes the believer as too ready to accept claims.
credible
Describes a claim or source that deserves belief.
Test credulous in Context
The customers are too ready to believe an implausible promise.
1
The fraudulent advertisement promised guaranteed returns with no risk, relying on ___ customers who would accept the claim without examining the evidence.