believed; believing
1
a
: to consider to be true or honest
believe the reports
you wouldn't believe how long it took
b
: to accept the word or evidence of
I believe you
couldn't believe my ears
2
: to hold as an opinion : suppose
I believe it will rain soon
1
a
: to accept something as true, genuine, or real
ideals we believe in
believes in ghosts
b
: to have a firm or wholehearted religious conviction or persuasion : to regard the existence of God as a fact
Do you believe?
—usually used with inbelieve in the Scriptures
2
: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something
believe in exercise
3
: to hold an opinion : think
I believe so
believer
noun
Examples of believe in a Sentence
I have watched the many ways that teachers demonstrate pleasure in what students have said or done. I used to believe that teachers needed to present a stoic face for fear of losing control—as if smiling caused bad behavior.
—
Nancy Mack, English Journal, September 2008
Scientists kept a close eye on Mount Saint Helens. The volcano in Washington State spewed steam and ash throughout the month, leading experts to believe that it could erupt at any time.
—Time For Kids, 17 Dec. 2004
They parted as casually as any friends who believe they will meet in a few days. But each knew the other was in deadly peril of his life.
—Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943
The scientists believed the reports.
Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard to believe.
You shouldn't believe everything you read.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.
They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.
She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
Nancy Mack, English Journal, September 2008
Scientists kept a close eye on Mount Saint Helens. The volcano in Washington State spewed steam and ash throughout the month, leading experts to believe that it could erupt at any time.
—Time For Kids, 17 Dec. 2004
They parted as casually as any friends who believe they will meet in a few days. But each knew the other was in deadly peril of his life.
—Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943
The scientists believed the reports.
Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard to believe.
You shouldn't believe everything you read.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.
They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.
She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sixty percent of participants believe the state is generally going in the wrong direction with three in four respondents anticipating bad economic times statewide over the next year.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Critics have voiced concern over suicide contagion, a phenomenon where increased exposure to suicide is believed to trigger suicidal behavior in others, and what the legislation means for the deaths of patients struggling with depression.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Local officials said recovery efforts were ongoing, with at least 200 people believed to have died.
—Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 12 June 2025
The victim was believed to be in her mid-30s, according to the Hindustan Times.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for believe
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.
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Critics have voiced concern over suicide contagion, a phenomenon where increased exposure to suicide is believed to trigger suicidal behavior in others, and what the legislation means for the deaths of patients struggling with depression.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Local officials said recovery efforts were ongoing, with at least 200 people believed to have died.
—Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 12 June 2025
The victim was believed to be in her mid-30s, according to the Hindustan Times.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for believe
Cite this Entry
“Believe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/believe. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
believe
verb
be·lieve
bə-ˈlēv 
believed; believing
1
: to have a firm religious faith
2
: to have faith or confidence in the existence or worth of
believe in ghosts
believe in regular exercise
3
: to accept as true
believe the reports
4
: to accept the word or evidence of
they believed us
I could hardly believe my ears
5
: to hold as an opinion : think
believe it will rain
believable
adjective
-ˈlē-və-bəl
believably
adverb
-blē
believer
noun
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