disbelief

noun

dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf 

: the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

Synonyms of disbelief

• skepticism
• doubt
• incredulity
• suspicion
• unbelief

Examples of disbelief in a Sentence

She stared at him in utter disbelief.

their story explaining their absence was met with frank disbelief

Recent Examples on the Web

Jonah investigates without actually being employed by the police, and a few other preposterous scenes will undoubtedly force viewers to suspend disbelief. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026

And beneath all this grief, all this disbelief, all this unbearable heartache, is the simplest, most devastating truth. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Oct. 2026

During Monday’s sentencing hearing, Tiffany’s daughters spoke of their grief and disbelief. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Since the news about Christina Applegate’s multiple sclerosis misdiagnosis was released, texts from friends in disbelief have been popping up on my phone. — Lindsay Karp, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disbelief

• suspend (one's) disbelief

Rhymes for disbelief

• cloverleaf
• leitmotif
• overleaf
• unbelief
• beef
• brief
• chief
• fief
• grief
• leaf
• lief
• reef

Kids Definition

disbelief

noun

dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf 

: the act or state of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue