Synonym Chooser

How is the word belief different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of belief are credence, credit, and faith. While all these words mean "assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance," belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer.

my belief that I had caught all the errors

When is credence a more appropriate choice than belief?

While in some cases nearly identical to belief, credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

When can credit be used instead of belief?

Although the words credit and belief have much in common, credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

In what contexts can faith take the place of belief?

While the synonyms faith and belief are close in meaning, faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of belief Postecoglou has restored belief at Tottenham, but Tottenham were right not to believe in him as a long-term solution. Michael Cox, New York Times, 7 June 2025 Data is conveniently twisted to fit Kennedy’s personal beliefs. Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 6 June 2025 The discovery in a cesspit challenges the belief that thrushes were exclusive to elite banquets. Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 Trump’s recent nomination of Casey Means for surgeon general also reflects this belief. Andrea Ruth, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • Harris, who worked mainly as a storyboard artist – with his credits including the John Wick franchise as well as movies such as Black Panther, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Sinners – said this experience had stood him in good stead for transitioning into animation.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 June 2025
  • But the prosecutor didn’t know that while standing before the judge, who to his credit took it upon the court to look up the back story.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • While the advice from Google is certainly not to be ignored by users, in my never humble opinion, Walsh does not agree.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • While feelings of self-doubt might arise, don’t let others’ opinions deter you from pursuing your goals.
    Essence, Essence, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • The remarks refer to a sweeping campaign unleashed by Xi with an aim to purge religious faiths of foreign influence and align them more closely with traditional Chinese culture – and the authoritarian rule of the officially atheist Communist Party.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • The Supreme Court on June 5 said Wisconsin should not have denied a tax exemption to a Catholic Charities chapter, the latest in a series of rulings the justices have decided in favor of faith groups.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Adaptation keeps you top of mind when budgets tighten.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Carl Jung spoke of empty houses in dreams as the representation of the mind that needs to be explored.
    Hala Alyan June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Zermelo developed nine simple axioms, that is, unproven basic assumptions, on which everything is based in math.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
  • In some, the conceit of rational or empirical investigation is coupled with a principle that resists being accounted for in that way: axioms of indifference or exhaustion; rulesof inference;principles of detachment; propertiesof between.
    Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Scenic hiking trails weave through quiet valleys, offering breathtaking views of wildlife in their natural habitat.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, explore rooms restored to reflect 19th-century lighthouse life, and unwind with their picnic in a shaded pavilion with unbeatable views.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • At the heart of this evolution is a core tension: leverage versus certainty.
    Spencer Dorn, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Some might find the introduction of a major conflict — when a different date turns nightmarish for Sophie, causing Lucy to question her certainties about what makes a good match and berate herself for failing to spot red flags — to be a heavy-handed nudge toward a resolution.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • The Senate acquitted Trump both times after failing to get a two-thirds majority for conviction.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Picking a fight with the sitting president—regardless of personal conviction—puts this entire ecosystem at risk.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on belief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!