: a feeling that you do not or cannot believe or accept that something is true or real
The initial reports were met with widespread disbelief. [=many people did not believe the reports]
She stared at him in utter disbelief.
If you want to enjoy this story, you have to suspend your disbelief. [=allow yourself to believe things that cannot be true]
Cite this Entry
“Disbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/disbelief. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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