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 Supreme Court justices sounded ready on Tuesday to give parents a constitutional right to opt out of public school lessons for their children that offend their religious beliefs. David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025 But some parents believed exposure to these materials conflicted with their religious beliefs. Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025 The Trump administration is backing the parents in the case, arguing that the board burdened parents' religious exercise by forcing them to choose between violating their religious beliefs or forgoing public education. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025 Advocates in favor of the school district argue that teachers and administrators aren’t forcing students to go against their religious beliefs. Solcyré Burga, Time, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • While at Westbrook Media, Haugen had credits like Red Table Talk on Meta and iHeart and the Fresh Prince Reunion Special on Max.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The debt collections could also damage the credit score of many borrowers, since scoring systems are typically alerted when collections ensue, experts said.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • To drive home that point, Justice Samuel Alito wrote an 11-page concurring opinion devoted to the Blaine Amendment and anti-Catholic bias.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • After everyone weighs in, Conrad turns to Harry for his opinion.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump put his faith in import tariffs, which sparked a worldwide trade war.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • There is faith in his potential, and his performances with Spain’s under-21s show there is a predator in there, but the top flight could come too soon.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Trust in Trump’s economy slips, new poll finds Many Americans voted with their wallets front of mind during the 2024 presidential election.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The real culprit, in the West Wing’s mind, remains Powell.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • It’s become a political axiom of sorts that policies championed largely by Democratic city leaders over the past half decade have resulted in rising crime levels.
    Christopher S. Warshaw, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Donald Trump and his gleeful chainsaw-wielding quasi-cabinet department leader Elon Musk should be made aware that the same axiom applies to geopolitics.
    Letters to the editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The rule includes everything from followers, likes, views, and comments.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Madrid have long been publicly vocal whenever the club feels officiating decisions have not gone their way, and club president Florentino Perez has been critical of what many at the Bernabeu view as refereeing bias against their side.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Without certainty of funding, the project may not advance as originally planned and Denverites will pay the price.
    Jill Locantore, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But that's just about the only certainty in what could otherwise be a night full of intrigue and surprises.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Abrego Garcia denies being a gang member and has no criminal convictions.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Then came former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who today sits in jail following convictions of abuse of power and money laundering related to the 1MDB corruption scandal.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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