BELIEF Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

belief

noun

bə-ˈlēf

Definition of belief next

as in credit

mental conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon a belief in UFO's led him to relentlessly scan the nighttime skies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in opinion

an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge it's my belief that the sky is blue because our eyes perceive the color blue easily

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fact
truth

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 On Tuesday, Newsom reiterated his belief that the federal government would eventually come through on disaster aid, citing his and Trump’s collaboration during the pandemic. —

Lia Russell, Sacramento Bee, 28 Jan. 2025 Fans accused Kardashian, who rarely speaks about her politician beliefs, of supporting the Trump administration. —

Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025 Expect intense insights, the kind that shake your belief systems to the core. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025 Part of that belief stems from a rejection of globalization and hyper growth — a more traditional conservative ideology. —

Benji Jones, Vox, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for belief

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief

Noun

Other series regular credits include multiple seasons of Chicago Med for NBC.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
Notable past credits: Suganami, known online as @steph_shep, first rose to fame as Kim Kardashian’s assistant, eventually becoming chief operating officer of Kardashian West Brands.

— Leigh Nordstrom, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025