Definition of beliefnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word belief different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of belief are credence, credit, and faith. While all these words mean "assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance," belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer.

my belief that I had caught all the errors

When is credence a more appropriate choice than belief?

While in some cases nearly identical to belief, credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

When can credit be used instead of belief?

Although the words credit and belief have much in common, credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

In what contexts can faith take the place of belief?

While the synonyms faith and belief are close in meaning, faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of belief Prejean Boller, a Catholic, contended she was wrongly ousted for expressing her beliefs. ABC News, 9 May 2026 The Sky pride themselves on a belief in the positionless nature of their roster. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026 Post readers on dating someone with different political beliefs, and more. Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 8 May 2026 Democratic lawmakers who spoke with The Star, including those present at the 2024 shooting, said the plea deals affirmed their beliefs about the state’s lax approach to guns. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • Trump took credit for an April 16th agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which Iran demanded as a condition for broader talks with the United States.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
  • But her office isn't prepared to trim the pass-through credit.
    Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Such a shift in public opinion required storytelling and a human connection.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • Public opinion once moved through mainstream institutions.
    Sarah DaVanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Starring Miami-native stage and TV actor David Rosenberg, the one-man show set in the Bronx, is a heart-wrenching, but ultimately uplifting, story of faith, remorse and the human spirit.
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
  • Johnston and D’Amaro also made strong statements of faith in ESPN as a cornerstone of Disney for years to come, amid perennial speculation that the Mouse House might sell all or part of the Worldwide leader.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Swann, in other words, takes Washburn’s side of the animal-mind argument.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • After losing the first two games of a first-place Palomar League showdown, playing poorly in the second game and losing by 12 runs, Mission Hills High School baseball coach Griffin Teisher said his team had one thing on its mind.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Trust but Verify The old Ronald Regan axiom is so true for business.
    Domenic Rom, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Andrea Riquier Among serious Fed-watchers, there’s an axiom that new central bank chairs usually face a crisis early in their term.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Alas, Frum misread the numbers, vastly undercounting Piker’s views.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • But current students say his views and votes go against the school’s mission to improve people’s well-being and increase diversity in the medical field.
    Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Surely this should mean more intelligence and certainty.
    Sarah DaVanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
  • So there was no certainty there.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • By evening, the Aries Moon stirs private ambition and a stronger inner conviction about what comes next.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
  • Boston 25 News reported that Brown has a criminal history spanning nearly two decades, citing court records tied to a man with the same name and date of birth that include prior firearm and drug convictions.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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