credence

noun

cre·​dence ˈkrē-dᵊn(t)s 

1

a

: mental acceptance as true or real

give credence to gossip

b

: credibility sense 1

lends credence to the theory

an idea that is gaining credence

2

: credentials

—used in the phrase letters of credence

3

[Middle French, from Old Italian credenza] : a Renaissance sideboard used chiefly for valuable plate

4

: a small table where the bread and wine rest before consecration

Synonyms of credence

• confidence
• trust
• faith

Choose the Right Synonym for credence

belief, faith, credence, credit 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

faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

Examples of credence in a Sentence

The theory is gaining credence among scientists.

I'm afraid I don't put much credence in common gossip.

Recent Examples on the Web

The activity lends credence to a potential Global Payments buyout and helps to set the goal posts on valuation. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

The war lent credence to al-Qaeda’s accusations that Washington oppressed Muslims, attracting would-be jihadists around the world to join the cause. — S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

The answer remains murky, but both alternatives have gained credence in recent days with signals emanating from the White House. — Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2026

That threat from the hyperbolic president, denounced by legal scholars, has nonetheless gained credence in recent days, as federal prosecutors have issued their grand jury subpoenas to election officials. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin credentia, from Latin credent-, credens, present participle of credere to believe, trust — more at creed

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing credence

• give credence to
• lend weight/credence/credibility
• letter of credence
• place/put little credence in

Rhymes for credence

• impedance

Kids Definition

credence

noun

cre·​dence ˈkrēd-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: a ready acceptance of something as true or real

give credence to gossip

2

: credibility sense 1

lends credence to the theory