: incredulity or skepticism especially in matters of religious faith

Examples of unbelief in a Sentence

living in an age of unbelief a natural-born skeptic, she typically greets the latest conspiracy theory with head-shaking unbelief
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This problem of unbelief has plagued reformers for decades. Ervand Abrahamian, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2016 The historical abnormality of modern-day unbelief was a theme of Pope Benedict XVI’s in the years before, during, and after his pontificate. Katherine Howell, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbelief was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near unbelief

Cite this Entry

“Unbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbelief. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

: the withholding or absence of belief : doubt
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