1
Core quality
Easily persuaded to believe false claims or easily deceived.
Example
The scam targeted gullible investors.
gullible
/ˈɡʌləbəl/ · GUL-uh-buladjective
Easily persuaded to believe false claims or easily deceived.
Use gullible to express this relationship precisely: easily persuaded to believe false claims or easily deceived.
What gullible Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Even cautious readers can be gullible when a claim confirms their hopes.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
She was trusting but not gullible.
Use gullible Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The scam targeted gullible investors.
Even cautious readers can be gullible when a claim confirms their hopes.
She was trusting but not gullible.
Precision Matters
Gullible overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
gullible
vs.Means easily persuaded to believe false claims or easily deceived.
astute
Means showing sharp judgment, practical intelligence, and an ability to understand situations accurately.
gullible
vs.Means easily persuaded to believe false claims or easily deceived.
cynical
Means distrustful of people's motives and inclined to believe that self-interest rather than sincerity guides behaviour.
gullible
vs.Means easily persuaded to believe false claims or easily deceived.
incredulous
Means unwilling or unable to believe something; showing strong disbelief.
gullible
vs.Means easily persuaded to believe false claims or easily deceived.
credulous
Means too ready to believe claims and therefore easily deceived.
Test gullible in Context
The buyers are easily deceived into believing false claims.
1
The fraudulent advertisement was designed to attract ___ buyers who would not verify its promises.