Disingenuous
harddis-in-JEN-yoo-us
adjective
Definition
Not candid or sincere; pretending to know less than one does
Examples
“His claim of ignorance was disingenuous given his involvement.”
“Critics called the company's apology disingenuous.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Disingenuous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "insincere" or "duplicitous" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "sincere".
Related GRE Words
fraudulent
Obtained, done by, or involving deception; dishonest
underhanded
Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way
fallacious
Based on a mistaken belief or unsound argument
spurious
Not genuine; false or fake
chicanery
The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose
duplicity
Deceitfulness; double-dealing
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