Definition of beliefnext

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 If there are members of one's social group who hold beliefs contrary to a person's personal goals, think carefully about how much value their opinions hold. Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026 Complete due diligence to safeguard your interests and future — rely on numbers, not belief. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026 That’s all because of a belief that Anthropic’s Claude can do your taxes with ease. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026 Popular belief says that when the heat comes, the foot wants total freedom. Alex Sales, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • More weight was given to software companies that file both state and federal returns for free and that allow for more deductions and credits.
    Brian Sloan,Dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
  • On Monday, the group claimed credit for torching four ambulances at a Jewish community rescue service outside the Machzike Hadath synagogue in London.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Supreme Court is also expected to release at least one opinion in a pending case on Wednesday.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The Cuban government declined to comment on its opinion of Rubio directly.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For many Jewish Americans, the antisemitic incidents have confirmed longstanding fears about the rise of antisemitism, as well as the need to vigorously counter extremism and live their faith undaunted by threats.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
  • By convening a focus group of seven swing state voters, all mothers between 27 and 48 years old, the Democratic firm Navigator Research found angst about the country’s direction and little faith in either party’s ability to fix its problems.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Tax season, savings strategies, and investment planning are all pulling at your attention, and your analytical mind is more than capable of working through the complexity.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Trust in the power of the mind.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Proof of this axiom comes from the IRS and its publication of the latest (2023) migration numbers.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Now that Chalamet is also dealing with the headache of his remarks last month to Matthew McConaughey about the lack of impact that ballet and opera have on modern culture, the first and most obvious lesson is that, to quote the old axiom, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
    Josh Spiegel, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • His predecessor, former NSA director Mike Rogers, shared a similar view.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
  • David’s view The voters most keen to talk with political reporters are, typically, extremely engaged in politics.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For now, there is but one certainty—that the hopes and lives of Iranians don’t matter.
    Jason Rezaian, New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2026
  • While systems’ responses to crises typically seek to impose order and certainty, art creates spaces where uncertainty and ambiguity are embraced rather than denied.
    Jane M. Saks, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The decision came nearly five years after Cosby was freed from prison in Pennsylvania when the state Supreme Court threw out a criminal conviction based on similar allegations.
    Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The Fear of 13, the wrongful conviction drama starring Adrien Brody, grossed $474,131 for three previews at the James Earl Jones, with attendance at 98% of capacity; opening night is April 15.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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