credence

noun

cre·dence | \ ˈkrē-dᵊn(t)s

Definition of credence

1a : 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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym What Is The Difference Between credence and belief? More Example Sentences Learn More about credence

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Synonyms & Antonyms for credence

Synonyms

confidence, faith, stock, trust

Antonyms

distrust, mistrust

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

What Is The Difference Between credence and belief?

Credence is close in meaning to belief, but there are differences. Unlike belief, credence is seldom used in connection with faith in a religion or philosophy. Instead credence is often used in reference to reports, rumors, and opinions. And, unlike belief, it tends to be used with the words give, lack, lend,and gain. So a new piece of evidence may lend credence to the alibi of a criminal suspect. Claims that a political candidate can become the next President gain credence only after the candidate wins a few primaries. And although stories about Elvis sightings persist, they lack credence for most people.

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

Attorneys for the Alaska plaintiffs say the resolution of the Dartmouth case gives credence to their clients and any others who have been wronged. — Author: Rachel D'oro, Anchorage Daily News, "Former UAA professor accused of sexual misconduct objects to pseudonyms in lawsuit," 13 Aug. 2019 Cassini did find some organic material in the gas giant's upper atmosphere and solid grains in the gap between the planet and the closest ring, which the researchers believe adds credence to their theory that the rings are indeed ancient. — Fox News, "Age of Saturn's rings debated as questions about life emerge," 17 Sep. 2019 That outcome only served to add credence to the general opinion that the Dolphins are tanking the 2019 season. — oregonlive, "Antonio Brown scores a touchdown as the New England Patriots blow out the Miami Dolphins: Recap, score, stats and more," 15 Sep. 2019 The new allegation is supposed to help lend credence to the on-the-record allegation that Kavanaugh’s Yale classmate Deborah Ramirez made in 2018. — John Mccormack, National Review, "The New York Times Anti-Kavanaugh Bombshell Is Actually a Dud," 15 Sep. 2019 Outlining the process with concision and clarity, the film lends credence to its argument by interviewing former Republican strategists who have put patriotism over party. — BostonGlobe.com, "Newburyport Documentary Film Festival," 12 Sep. 2019 Several cities have been mentioned — most notably Nashville and Las Vegas — and rumors of a move to Tennessee gained added credence from the fact that John Angelos and his wife own a home there. — Peter Schmuck, baltimoresun.com, "Schmuck: Despite speculation, Orioles not on the market to be moved or sold," 15 Aug. 2019 Adding credence to this report is that Big Little Lies’ second season episodes involve so many editors — the first season credited only five. — Alex Abad-santos, Vox, "How HBO and showrunner David E. Kelley reportedly undermined Big Little Lies director Andrea Arnold," 12 July 2019 The ruling also adds legal credence to Education Secretary Besty DeVos’s effort to restore due process in Title IX proceedings. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Due Process for Sexual Assault Cases," 13 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'credence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.