belief

noun

bə-ˈlēf How to pronounce belief (audio)
Definition of beliefnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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 The experience affirmed her beliefs that her company has a large enough base to keep growing, and that needlepointing, at least in some capacity, is here to stay. —Megan Sauer, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025 Their genuine belief in your potential likely played a big role. —Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 There’s a general belief that getting an advanced degree, such as a MBA or PhD, is a path towards higher income and more wealth. —Robert Farrington, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Becoming great again is as easy as recovering these foundational beliefs. —Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
  1. credit
  2. opinion
  3. faith
  4. mind
  5. axiom
  6. view
  7. certainty
  8. conviction
Noun
  • Other credits include Big Little Lies, the Oscar-winning Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And stick around for an end credits surprise or two.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of credit
Noun
  • Some Chinese opinion leaders appeared to suggest off-ramps in the trade war.
    — Beijing and Washington Bureaus, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.
    — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of opinion
Noun
  • His departure signals the Eagles’ faith in Brown.
    — Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • There's no virtue and no strength in needlessly impeding others' efforts to practice their faith.
    — Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of faith
Noun
  • Price upon publish date of this article: $780 What to Look for in a Crossbody Phone Bag Special features: When shopping for a crossbody phone bag, there are a few key features to keep in mind.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The more Tropper thought about it, the more one actor appeared in his mind for Coop: Jon Hamm.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of mind
Noun
  • There’s an old axiom in physics, which states that nature abhors a vacuum.
    — Letters to the editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
  • There is a lot of axiomatics, which seems to be closer to the Greeks, but aren’t the axioms largely chosen at will?
    — Simone Weil, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • The six women are also among a select few people who have ever had the opportunity to board Blue Origin's famous New Shepard spacecraft, which transports up to six passengers to experience weightlessness and stunning views of Earth.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • True to its name, the property has two types of bungalows, waterfront or garden, that come with outdoor soaking tubs that offer views of the ocean or lush tropical plants.
    — Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of view
Noun
  • For various examples and further detailed indications about the nature and use of the hidden role of certainty and uncertainty when prompting for generative AI, see my coverage at the link here.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Amid the economic certainty, this summer is expected to be slower than usual for the travel industry, according to new research by Bank of Montreal.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of certainty
Noun
  • Carlos Ambriz, a 53-year-old Mexican national, made contact with ICE officers while serving a 40-year sentence in the Montana State Prison for a deliberate homicide conviction and was served a notice to appear before an immigration judge.
    — Elizabeth Pritchett, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • His defense team had sought a full acquittal on the charge of making murder threats and a lesser penalty for the theft conviction.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of conviction

Browse Nearby Words

belied
belief
beliefs
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Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on belief

Nglish: Translation of belief for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about belief

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