disbelief

noun

dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf 

: the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

Synonyms of disbelief

• skepticism
• doubt
• incredulity
• suspicion
• unbelief

Examples of disbelief in a Sentence

She stared at him in utter disbelief.

their story explaining their absence was met with frank disbelief

Recent Examples on the Web

The disbelief at billowing black smoke from a gash in the Pentagon and collapsing skyscrapers of steel, the dread over what attacks might yet come, the hope that people might be pulled from the rubble alive. — Ann Gerhart, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026

Dorothy and Jillian were also in disbelief, but totally engaged. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Fear, disbelief, pain, and, yes, adrenaline coursed through 72 Marietta Street. — Dan Chapman, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Hartman, a human resource specialist, watched in disbelief as newscasters ran footage of the destruction in New York and nearby Arlington, Virginia. — Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disbelief

• suspend (one's) disbelief

Rhymes for disbelief

• cloverleaf
• leitmotif
• overleaf
• unbelief
• beef
• brief
• chief
• fief
• grief
• leaf
• lief
• reef

Kids Definition

disbelief

noun

dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf 

: the act or state of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue