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 For the renovation, the museum invited their descendants to consult on a reinstallation in line with their beliefs, and interviewed them for an in-gallery film about their forebears. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 His belief that treating employees with respect and offering stability permeates through his company culture, resulting in a loyal workforce where many of his employees have stayed for over a decade. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 30 June 2025 Subramanian had stressed to the jury the importance of delivering a unanimous verdict, but also said no juror should surrender their beliefs in order to reach unanimity. CBS News, 30 June 2025 Rowling has courted controversy since 2020 for regularly sharing beliefs on social media that many believe are transphobic. Zack Sharf, Variety, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • Moderates were able to squeeze in a carve-out allowing projects that begin construction less than one year after the bill is enacted to claim the credit.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Along with Day of a Lion, their credits include the shorts Elevator (2021) and Eve (2020).
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • In my opinion, being an entrepreneur is more than just launching new businesses and accomplishing objectives.
    Bharath Kumar Kakkireni, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Richie’s work on himself continues to, in my opinion, sustain all hope for humanity.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The energy around you may feel optimistic, so now is the time to restore faith in the process of your personal journey.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • His father, a quiet Wasp from Indiana, was an engineer, and his mother was an Irish Catholic who, in addition to working in the Connecticut school system, kept house and raised her good-looking children in the faith.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Nichols’s insecurities came to mind while reading Leslie’s analysis of Lennon and McCartney.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • But even if writing about Paris helped ease the transition, my mind was still flailing in this last codified stage, reverse language shock.
    Benedict Nguyễn July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Gödel showed that any system of axioms in mathematics permits the formulation of statements that can’t be shown to be true or false.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
  • Zermelo developed nine simple axioms, that is, unproven basic assumptions, on which everything is based in math.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • In contrast, the view from the west reveals a warm and welcoming form that seems to open its arms to visitors.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 June 2025
  • This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those of Scientific American.
    Mark Boslough, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Finally, in this chronically complex and volatile world the temptation in the C-suite is to avoid communicating with stakeholders in the absence of certainty.
    Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • But in these times of economic volatility — first, a pandemic, then rampant inflation and now the uncertainty tied to trade policy in Washington, D.C. — there are few certainties in the business world.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Judge Subramanian said the jurors must reach a unanimous verdict, but must not give up their convictions merely to return a verdict or satisfy the rest of the jurors.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • His conviction stems from the June 20, 2018, incident that shocked New York City and garnered national attention.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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