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

Examples of belief in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Dahlgren said the signs did share the same belief systems as her organization, which opposes the measure and believes the amendment is ambiguous enough to allow for abortions up to birth. Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 18 Oct. 2024 The series focuses on members of the Irish Republican Army across four decades and their various struggles and beliefs, particularly the young women Dolours Price (Lola Petticrew) and Marian Price (Hazel Doupe). Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2024 This strengthens the belief that US government policies are likely to remain favorable for Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies going forward. Trefis Team, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 What that approach overlooks, however, is that a belief in objective morality also has considerable downsides. The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for belief 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'belief.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near belief

Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on belief

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