Definition of beliefnext

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 The historically tight levels for credit spreads, recently testing multi-decade lows, represents belief among investors that risk of default is low and the economic outlook is strong. Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 2 May 2026 Juicero was merely a symptom of the unexamined belief that capital plus tools can become a substitute for time itself. Big Think, 1 May 2026 Down bodies, but never faith, the Timberwolves’ mission marches forward a few troops lighter, but the belief as firm as ever. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026 Marte and his staff battle against recidivism while trying to build a customer base in New York, and this show documents whether their belief in themselves can be enough to succeed. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • Hill gave credit to the coaches for aiding in the preparation against San Diego’s lefties.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
  • Passengers who booked with credit or debit cards that are no longer active would have to file separate claims through bankruptcy court to be handled at a later date.
    Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Keep it practical instead of idealistic or overly influenced by outside opinions.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • Arellano was recognized for opinion writing for his columns illuminating the fear and devastation of local immigrants during last summer’s ICE raids.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Starring Miami-native stage and TV actor David Rosenberg, the one-man show set in the Bronx, is a heart-wrenching, but ultimately uplifting, story of faith, remorse and the human spirit.
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
  • Johnston and D’Amaro also made strong statements of faith in ESPN as a cornerstone of Disney for years to come, amid perennial speculation that the Mouse House might sell all or part of the Worldwide leader.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Swann, in other words, takes Washburn’s side of the animal-mind argument.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • After losing the first two games of a first-place Palomar League showdown, playing poorly in the second game and losing by 12 runs, Mission Hills High School baseball coach Griffin Teisher said his team had one thing on its mind.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Trust but Verify The old Ronald Regan axiom is so true for business.
    Domenic Rom, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Andrea Riquier Among serious Fed-watchers, there’s an axiom that new central bank chairs usually face a crisis early in their term.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Alas, Frum misread the numbers, vastly undercounting Piker’s views.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • But current students say his views and votes go against the school’s mission to improve people’s well-being and increase diversity in the medical field.
    Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • This is the In-between Time, when far-sighted certainty is a vanishingly rare commodity.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 1 May 2026
  • Earlier last month, Meyer had indicated that DHL can secure fuel for its airline fleet in Europe through June, but there’s less certainty about supply across Asia.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • That same year Cindy's cousin testified before the Florida Legislature about the Death Penalty Reform Act, which in part sought to speed up executions to be carried out within five years of an inmate's conviction.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In recent years, that includes a 2022 misdemeanor conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm, Cook County Circuit Court records show.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on belief

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster