creed

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a brief authoritative formula of religious belief

the Nicene Creed

2

: a set of fundamental beliefs

also : a guiding principle

Never settle for mediocrity is his creed.

—Jill Lieber

creedal adjective

or credal

ˈkrē-dᵊl 

Synonyms of creed

• ideology
• philosophy

Examples of creed in a Sentence

central to the creed of this organization of medical volunteers is the belief that health care is a basic human right

the Amish live by a strict creed that rejects many of the values and practices of modern society

Recent Examples on the Web

The Declaration of Independence is often called America’s creed. —James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026

His season, too, has been underwhelming (minus-114 in 1,645 minutes for Golden State’s second-worst plus-minus) in accordance with his future Hall of Fame standards, but his personal creed remains intact. —Sam Gordon, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026

The ad turns everyday moments into a triumphant celebration of America — people of all creeds, races, and backgrounds learning in classrooms, working on job sites, and celebrating family gatherings. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026

Hillcrest’s Jamir Ratliff has a personal creed about not letting the weight of expectations bother him. —Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English crede, from Old English crēda, from Latin credo (first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds), from credere to believe, trust, entrust; akin to Old Irish cretid he believes, Sanskrit śrad-dadhāti

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for creed

• bead
• bleed
• brede
• breed
• cede
• deed
• feed
• freed
• greed
• heed
• keyed
• knead

Kids Definition

creed

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a statement of the basic beliefs of a religious faith

2

: a set of guiding principles or beliefs

Etymology

Middle English crede "creed," from Old English crēda (same meaning), from Latin credo, literally, "I believe" (used as the first words in many creeds), from credere "to believe, trust, entrust" — related to credentials, credit, incredible