Definition
Canard refers to a false or baseless rumor or story, often spread with the intention of deceiving or misleading people.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun.
Synonyms
Hoax, falsehood, rumor, lie, fabrication, myth, fable, untruth.
Antonyms
Truth, fact, reality.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | canard, canards |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The canard about the candidate’s criminal history was quickly debunked by fact-checkers.
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The media was accused of spreading a canard about the company’s financial troubles.
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The canard that vaccines cause autism has been repeatedly debunked by medical experts.
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The government was criticized for spreading canards about the opposition party in order to discredit them.
Usage
The word “canard” comes from the French word for “duck,” and it is often used to describe a false or misleading story that is propagated widely and quickly, like a flock of ducks taking flight. The term is often used in the context of politics and the media, where rumors and falsehoods can spread rapidly and have significant consequences.
Canards can take many forms, from outright lies to distorted or exaggerated versions of the truth. They can be spread through social media, word of mouth, or traditional media channels, and are often motivated by political or personal agendas. In some cases, canards may be deliberately created and spread by individuals or groups with the intention of causing harm or creating confusion.
The use of the word “canard” is most common in French-speaking countries, but it has also gained currency in English-speaking countries in recent years. It is often used in the media and in political discourse to describe false or misleading stories that are intended to sway public opinion or undermine the credibility of individuals or groups.
In terms of usage, “canard” is typically reserved for stories or rumors that are intentionally false or misleading, rather than those that are simply inaccurate or mistaken. It is important to be careful when using the term, as it can carry negative connotations and may be seen as implying a deliberate effort to deceive or mislead.