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

This year’s run to the Cup Final gives some credence to that explanation. —Jesse Granger, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Aldermen must now determine if the legal threat has credence or is a posturing effort aimed at getting them in line. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

However, there were extenuating circumstances in both games, which, when factored alongside San Antonio’s Game 3 win at Madison Square Garden and their dominance for nearly three quarters in Game 4, lend credence to the notion a bounce-back effort could well be in the cards. —Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

But Swan also gave credence to hotels that have reported fewer bookings than a normal summer because of fewer conventions and other events in the city. —Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 8 June 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