1
: belief that something is true
I place/put little credence in statistics. [=I generally do not believe statistics]
Don't give credence to [=don't believe] their gossip.
2
: the quality of being believed or accepted as something true or real
This new evidence gives/adds/lends (some) credence [=credibility] to their theory. [=makes their theory believable]
The theory is gaining credence among scientists.
Cite this Entry
“Credence.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/credence. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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