Definition of opinionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun opinion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of opinion are belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment, and view. While all these words mean "a judgment one holds as true," opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute.

each expert seemed to have a different opinion

When is it sensible to use belief instead of opinion?

While in some cases nearly identical to opinion, belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.

a firm belief in her party's platform

When can conviction be used instead of opinion?

The meanings of conviction and opinion largely overlap; however, conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.

the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

When might persuasion be a better fit than opinion?

In some situations, the words persuasion and opinion are roughly equivalent. However, persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.

was of the persuasion that everything changes

When is sentiment a more appropriate choice than opinion?

The words sentiment and opinion can be used in similar contexts, but sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.

her feminist sentiments are well-known

In what contexts can view take the place of opinion?

The words view and opinion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, view suggests a subjective opinion.

very assertive in stating his views

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 opinion Benedetto, himself in favor of a four-year extension with tweaks that would return more power to the mayor, said there are still conflicting opinions on the issue within his conference. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026 And although it’s worked for Perez and the Royals, his opinion on the system continues to form. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026 In my opinion, six months or less. Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026 Public opinion is nuanced on birthright citizenship and can depend on how pollsters ask the question. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • But, for many American Jews, Zionism has come to represent the belief that there should be such a home—both because of the Jewish people’s ties to their ancestral land and because of the centuries of persecution that Jews endured, culminating with the Holocaust.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • According to Christian belief, Jesus was arrested, tried by Roman authorities and sentenced to death by crucifixion.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • All decisions of the judges regarding this Promotion are final and binding in all respects.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Olsson and Garden set a deadline in the summer for a point at which Olsson wouldn’t take any more calls, providing the time and space to make her decision without noise.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Ho Tzu Nyen’s virtual reality installation Voice of Void, 2021, which was on view at Berlin’s Neugerriemschneider gallery this spring, offers a glimpse of such possibilities.
    Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Set the scene Soaring at 1,000 feet above sea level on the St James hills, just a 10-minute drive from the heat and bustle of the west coast’s towns and beaches, Apes Hill offers a refreshing breeze and views of both the Caribbean and Atlantic.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Later on Wednesday, the jury came back and agreed on the verdict.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
  • These verdicts are consequential for the damages awarded and what the evidence reveals about intent.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Moreover, Trump's attempts to take credit for lower prices earlier in his term may link him to prices in voters' minds.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Nguyen was also the mind behind the mural’s postcard style, and its setting against the Santa Ana Mountains and a California sunset.
    Victoria Le, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The amazingly rapid reconstruction project came to a conclusion in December 2024.
    David A. Bell, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Another great example of this in action is KPMG’s new early career program focused on human qualities such as critical thinking, data analysis, and drawing conclusions rather than technical know-how.
    Teuila Hanson, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And yet, my attitude was 'This is special.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That work was on display this week as Thomas Jefferson High School junior Bella Smith helped younger students hunt for Easter eggs – a simple moment that mirrors her own determination.
    Robbie Owens, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Those determinations complete the World Cup’s 48-team draw, as well as the full schedule, as North America for the first time serves as host.
    Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on opinion

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