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 As anticipation builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the campaign is positioned as a reflection of Hyundai’s broader belief that advances in robotics and AI can expand the boundaries of human-machine interaction. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026 But having the facts may not always affect our personal beliefs and actions. Helen Dennis, Daily News, 30 May 2026 But earlier, there was widespread belief that the two Republican candidates might lock the entire crowded field of Democrats out of the runoff in the fall. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 30 May 2026 There was a belief, however, the strike would be brief. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • Depending on your situation, options such as debt settlement, debt consolidation or credit counseling could help make repayment more manageable and reduce the likelihood of aggressive collection actions in the future.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 June 2026
  • OneMain provides personal installment loans to millions of Americans, many of whom have nonprime credit scores.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Nationwide poll on interest in the World Cup and opinions on related issues.
    Washington Post staff, Washington Post, 2 June 2026
  • Barca’s official salary limit fluctuated during the 2025-26 season, amid differences of opinion between La Liga and the club over that December 2024 sale of future revenues from VIP seats at the Camp Nou.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Today, supposedly sophisticated moderns have laundered Moloch’s dark faith into militarism, imperialism, and capitalism.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • To even entertain a reality that absurd would require a faith in the American Dream blind enough to subdue the nightmare.
    Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • However, bright, clever ideas also might spring up in your mind.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • With this in mind, researchers ran some simulations to explore how all that jostling for position might have affected the moons of Jupiter and Uranus in particular — and the results suggest that these two planets' moons only survived that tumultuous time because of a giant planet that didn't.
    Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Everything in mathematics therefore rests on the axioms, or basic building blocks, of the field.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 26 May 2026
  • One may argue that a more fundamental theory (with more complete axioms) could decide the question, but the final theory should not have undecidable statements.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The food and drink The open-air terrace restaurant Koh Thai Kitchen serves up sea views alongside what is unquestionably the best breakfast on the island.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • President of Finland Alexander Stubb is seen during a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda (not in view) at the Presidential Palace.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • However, that doesn't predict anything with certainty, as there still remain many unknowns in terms of what could develop.
    Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 1 June 2026
  • Based on the latest reporting, simply returning to a major league mound before the end of the season is no longer a certainty.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • His instincts aren’t so much recklessness as a willingness to act on conviction and let smart people and favorable terms do the work.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 2 June 2026
  • Even before his conviction, his 2024 indictment spooked the industry and led some short sellers to beef up legal disclaimers.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 2 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on belief

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster