disbelief

noun

dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf 

: the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

Synonyms

• skepticism
• doubt
• incredulity
• suspicion
• unbelief

Examples of disbelief in a Sentence

She stared at him in utter disbelief.

their story explaining their absence was met with frank disbelief

Recent Examples on the Web

Underestimating compliments with a flood of emotions like discomfort, disbelief or embarrassment, can lead to personal and career costs. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

All this weight on the suspension of disbelief makes The Conjuring–verse one of the most politically and metatextually rich franchises in film history. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

Still in disbelief over her win, the woman checked her ticket again, this time using the Maryland Lottery app. —Daniella Segura, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

Their shared disbelief in science and disrespect for expertise unites them. —Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disbelief

• suspend (one's) disbelief

Rhymes for disbelief

• cloverleaf
• leitmotif
• overleaf
• unbelief
• beef
• brief
• chief
• fief
• grief
• leaf
• lief
• reef

Kids Definition

disbelief

noun

dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf 

: the act or state of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue