Definition of opinionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun opinion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of opinion are belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment, and view. While all these words mean "a judgment one holds as true," opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute.

each expert seemed to have a different opinion

When is it sensible to use belief instead of opinion?

While in some cases nearly identical to opinion, belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.

a firm belief in her party's platform

When can conviction be used instead of opinion?

The meanings of conviction and opinion largely overlap; however, conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.

the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

When might persuasion be a better fit than opinion?

In some situations, the words persuasion and opinion are roughly equivalent. However, persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.

was of the persuasion that everything changes

When is sentiment a more appropriate choice than opinion?

The words sentiment and opinion can be used in similar contexts, but sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.

her feminist sentiments are well-known

In what contexts can view take the place of opinion?

The words view and opinion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, view suggests a subjective opinion.

very assertive in stating his views

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 opinion Even coworkers who rarely spoke suddenly had opinions about formations and red card decisions. Maria Santana, CNN Money, 21 July 2026 Commentary and opinions In his latest column, Gustavo Arellano writes about how this World Cup finally taught him to love soccer. Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 Kirby is also not a coach that is getting fired within the next decade, so his opinion actually means something to the school president and athletic director. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 But in my opinion, the change is going to come when a 17- or 18-year-old understands or sees that movement, embraces it, and brings it to the forefront. Kyle Eustice, VIBE.com, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • For many Colombians, the attack on Uribe Turbay shattered the belief that the country had largely left behind the era when presidential candidates routinely became targets of political violence.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
  • As the league emerges from this summer of soccer, however, there is a strong belief that missing the immediate moment shouldn’t mean missing the bigger picture.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • The conspiracies of the Heat mistakenly leaking James’ decision to return to Miami also picked up steam, and the Heat simultaneously skyrocketed on the Polymarket and Kalshi prediction market platforms as James’ next team.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski said Burke’s mother, Colleen Burke, managed most of the company’s financial decisions.
    Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • From a remote hilltop just north of Nablus, the view stretches across the occupied West Bank.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Shiny new towers make a statement through their sheer opulence, panoramic views and desirable locations, enticing companies to pay top dollar.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • After both defense and state counsel had agreed this morning that the defendant should be convicted, the jury returned a verdict in less than 10 minutes.
    Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 22 July 2026
  • Thus, Californians and Washingtonians may not just be deciding their own tax fates, and these outcomes could be casting an early verdict that has nationwide tax implications.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Keep in mind, this Sporting team, over a stretch of eight matches in all competitions, was outscored 28-4, losing seven of those contests and drawing one.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Her makeup was on and her wig was in place, but her mind was in meltdown.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Of course, the same conclusion goes for Damon, Hathaway, Pattinson, Jon Bernthal and all of the other non-Greek cast.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • An independent committee investigating the cause of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades heard arguments on how improper practices that evaded regulatory oversight turned a small fire into a tragedy as the case neared its conclusion Friday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • To embrace a cool attitude toward occasion dressing, mix your essentials and directional pieces.
    Alice Cary, Vogue, 24 July 2026
  • Treat Culture And Bureaucracy As Balance-Sheet Issues The stereotype of the penny-pinching CFO is often wrong—but the attitude is common on the part of many other executives.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Where challenges entered, our determination, imaginations, creativity and dedication to keep America strong have reaped blessings and success.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • The determinations are critical, considering billions of dollars in the form of a rocket launch to Jupiter is now facing serious jeopardy.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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