disbelieve

verb

dis·​be·​lieve ˌdis-bə-ˈlēv How to pronounce disbelieve (audio)
disbelieved; disbelieving; disbelieves

transitive verb

: to hold not worthy of belief : not believe

intransitive verb

: to withhold or reject belief
disbeliever noun

Examples of disbelieve in a Sentence

Several jurors disbelieved the witness's testimony. many disbelieved the medium's claims that she could communicate with the spirits of the dead
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And so this loss of voice is her body’s way of protecting her from the double trauma of having her family disbelieve her. Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025 At the busy corner of Seventh and Wabasha streets, disbelieving St. Paulites jostled for copies. Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025 Those who disbelieve Smollett’s story see him as having exploited a fraught political moment for his own gain. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025 After launching an investigation, the Assemblies of God revoked Stewart’s credentials and dismissed several other Chi Alpha ministers, including Jackson, who had disbelieved Salgado. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disbelieve

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1644, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of disbelieve was circa 1644

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Cite this Entry

“Disbelieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disbelieve. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

disbelieve

verb
dis·​be·​lieve ˌdis-bə-ˈlēv How to pronounce disbelieve (audio)
: to think not to be true or real : fail to believe
disbelieved the witness's testimony
disbeliever noun

More from Merriam-Webster on disbelieve

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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