Definition of convictionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conviction differ from other similar words?

The words certainty and certitude are common synonyms of conviction. While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

How do certainty and certitude relate to one another, in the sense of conviction?

Both certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof.

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

When can certitude be used instead of conviction?

While in some cases nearly identical to conviction, certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

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 conviction You are not imprisoned for the conviction of a felony. Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Reached by phone, a spokesperson for the Eastern District of New York declined to comment on whether this was expected to be the final conviction in the case. Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026 The convictions followed an 11-day trial in which prosecutors presented testimony from multiple victims, the outlet reported. Sean Mandell, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026 The presiding judge said Uzbek authorities had indicated that Karimova, 53, would not be released until after her full sentence is completed in December 2028 on convictions in Uzbekistan including embezzlement. ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conviction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conviction
Noun
  • This is the In-between Time, when far-sighted certainty is a vanishingly rare commodity.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 1 May 2026
  • Earlier last month, Meyer had indicated that DHL can secure fuel for its airline fleet in Europe through June, but there’s less certainty about supply across Asia.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • This was coincidence beyond belief.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • If Banchero believes in Mosley, that belief will carry influence.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • And, Muller said, there is no assurance Republicans would march in lockstep behind a plan to prevent the seating of Democrats.
    Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
  • Somehow, McCarthy’s assurance makes these clichés seem new again, donning them as naturally as O’Connell’s gawky bellboy wearing an old-fashioned red cap.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Keep it practical instead of idealistic or overly influenced by outside opinions.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • Arellano was recognized for opinion writing for his columns illuminating the fear and devastation of local immigrants during last summer’s ICE raids.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Weltman has confidence Orlando is an appealing job – largely thanks to its young roster that includes Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 May 2026
  • Tweens and teens look to each other for clarity and guidance on how to behave and how to feel, all the while gambling with each other’s social confidence and self-esteem.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Carly loves playing hostess, and designs interiors above all with socializing in mind—the conversation pit is one of her favorite midcentury tropes.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Andrillon warned against trying to harness the sleeping mind in the service of the waking world.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • But there’s a real satisfaction in watching Ohm figure out the suite’s unique conveniences, run by analog systems of pulleys and levers, confronting the terrors within and mastering them for his survival.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
  • There’s real satisfaction in seeing something come together smoothly.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Conviction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conviction. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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