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 confidence and belief in the group grows a bit more as a result. Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Unconventional ties add more joy to men’s wardrobes, a belief strongly held by luxury designer Wangda Chen of his eponymous label Wàngda. Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025 Although Buddhism is the leading religion in Thailand, and by proxy Thai Town, the cultivation of spirit houses and the offerings that go along with them actually originates from animism mixed with Brahmanism (an early form of Hinduism), which subsequently made its way into Buddhist beliefs. Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 Resilient leadership requires an unparalleled ability to adapt without compromising core values, beliefs or foundational principles. Novena Riojas, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • Now, Florence Road are releasing their debut EP, Fall Back, via Warner, featuring credits from big-name producers like Dan Nigro, Dan Wilson, and John Hill.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
  • Private credit has boomed in the years since the 2008 Financial Crisis, increasingly being used as an alternative funding source to risk-averse banks.
    Spriha Srivastava,Jenni Reid, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Richie’s work on himself continues to, in my opinion, sustain all hope for humanity.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
  • In my opinion, being an entrepreneur is more than just launching new businesses and accomplishing objectives.
    Bharath Kumar Kakkireni, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Retire Wealthy Retiring wealthy takes long-term planning plus a good dose of faith.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Reagan took the traditional conservative beliefs in anti-Communism and deregulation and transformed them into faith in globalization.
    Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • In a rare, bipartisan meeting of the minds, at least on this issue.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2025
  • And all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Gödel showed that any system of axioms in mathematics permits the formulation of statements that can’t be shown to be true or false.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
  • Zermelo developed nine simple axioms, that is, unproven basic assumptions, on which everything is based in math.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The series garnered more than 190 million views in its premiere week alone, with over 60 million views in just the first week of availability.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 June 2025
  • In contrast, the view from the west reveals a warm and welcoming form that seems to open its arms to visitors.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • But in these times of economic volatility — first, a pandemic, then rampant inflation and now the uncertainty tied to trade policy in Washington, D.C. — there are few certainties in the business world.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Finally, in this chronically complex and volatile world the temptation in the C-suite is to avoid communicating with stakeholders in the absence of certainty.
    Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • African American history has already demonstrated the strength of the holiday and the conviction of its followers.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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