A conspiracy theory is a belief that a group of people are secretly trying to harm someone or achieve something. You usually use this term to suggest that you think this is unlikely.
Did you ever swallow the conspiracy theory about Kennedy?
conspiracy theory in British English
noun
the belief that the government or a covert organization is responsible for an event that is unusual or unexplained, esp when any such involvement is denied
conspiracy theory in American English
any theory that purports to explain something by ascribing it to collusion among powerful conspirators
a usually dismissive term implying that the theory is far-fetched, paranoid, etc.
Derived forms
conspiracy theorist
Examples of 'conspiracy theory' in a sentence
conspiracy theory
It is the product of an absurd conspiracy theory.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It has been a magnet for conspiracy theories.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It would be called conspiracy theory!
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Sometimes conspiracy theories merely present a nebulous danger, by damaging the integrity of public speech.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
This is a grown-up conspiracy theory.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We also have an obligation to argue for common sense over conspiracy theories.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There are so many ludicrous conspiracy theories and this just seemed like one more.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The clichés of political conspiracy theories all report loyally for duty.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Conspiracy theories and political point scoring have filled the void left by the dearth of solid information.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The film that launched a thousand barmy conspiracy theories about the moon landings.
The Sun (2012)
This is not just conspiracy theory.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Conspiracy theories are precisely that - theories.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
As a result, conspiracy theories flourish.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There is no end of conspiracy theories about how the number could bring about Armageddon.
The Sun (2006)
A good conspiracy theory is always so much more entertaining than what actually happened.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We are still trapped by the mentality of conspiracy theories, one that has limited our capability to think.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
And while it is absurd to spin a conspiracy theory about banks, there is a pattern of complicity in such wrongdoing.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
White, a wily and wittily populist writer, combines solid history with a cunning conspiracy theory.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Conspiracy theories suggest that tunnels were built below Denver airport to protect five million people during the coming Armageddon.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The old conspiracy theories about Britain plotting to engineer an American entry into the war would be out in the open.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It is hardly surprising, against such a backdrop, that numerous conspiracy theories surfaced about the cause of his death.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
Forget conspiracy theories about a missing BlackBerry, the rumour that has got us excited is that the episode is about to be turned into a film.