1. ancient Greek teachers of philosophy and rhetoric who were often criticized for using clever but misleading arguments
Usage: historical
2. people who use clever but fallacious reasoning or arguments
Usage: often derogatory

Examples

• The sophists of ancient Athens taught wealthy young men the art of persuasion.
• Socrates often debated with the sophists about the nature of truth and knowledge.
• Modern politicians are sometimes compared to sophists for their misleading arguments.
• The professor warned students not to become sophists who prioritize winning over truth.
• Protagoras was one of the most famous sophists of the 5th century BCE.
• Critics accused the lawyer of being among those sophists who twist facts to suit their case.