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

All those years of singlehood came to a surprising end, leaving relatives in disbelief. — Steve Hartman, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

Central Sallisaw head coach Jeremy Thompson was in disbelief. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

News of his arrest quickly drew expressions of shock and disbelief from his colleagues — as well as condemnation from those who felt as though Townsend was being unfairly targeted by law enforcement because of the nature of his work. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Dali limped into the postgame press conference with a blank look on her face, seemingly still in disbelief over what had just happened. — Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 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