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 From this feature, archaeologists hope to learn more about ritual practices and religious beliefs in the city. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Like her music, her belief system was assembled from a variety of strands. Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 That’s leading at the level of belief rather than information. Owen Fitzpatrick, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Rooted in the belief that art is most powerful when experienced collectively, Art Week NYC celebrates the conversations, communities, and creative exchange that make New York one of the world’s most vibrant art cities. News Desk, Artforum, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • The guide, released Monday, creates a framework for approving projects under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to trade emission reduction credits to help meet global climate targets.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • To his credit, Joe wastes no time organizing the swim platform and coordinating that afternoon’s excursion.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But public opinions of Israel have since shifted, particularly among Democrats.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • What agencies’ differing opinions mean for e-moto riders In emails to the Statesman, the Nampa Police Department and Ada County Sheriff’s Office seemed to back Meridian’s take on the law.
    Rose Evans August 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Ashton Lansdell is tattooed with reminders of her faith in herself.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Free This annual service brings together affirming faith communities from across the Charlotte region to celebrate inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ people.
    Evan Moore August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Games such as pickleball and activities like walking groups get people out of the house, combat isolation and keep both the body and mind engaged, O’Sullivan explained.
    Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The third most popular sub-genre is psychological horror games which pit you against your mind.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Spiritual philosopher Alan Watts is mentioned in Past the Veil’s press release, and Lay imbues these axioms with profundity like only the best teachers can.
    Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
  • An Anthropic employee and mathematician recently overturned a nearly century-old axiom with the help of Claude, prompting Garry Tan, CEO of startup-funder Y Combinator, to announce the era of the gentleman scientist is back.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • My $50 telescope delivered crisp planetary views and revealed many deep sky objects.
    Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The rooms There are 42 bedrooms, and the best offers floor-to-ceiling views of the Bay of Biscay from the roomy clawfoot bathtub.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The man of such certainty has that certainty beaten out of him.
    Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Cabrera, the only certainty for the Cubs’ 2027 rotation, made his first rehab start from a hamstring injury Wednesday at Iowa, throwing 55 pitches.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Court records also show Robinson has a prior indecent exposure conviction in Santa Cruz County dating back to 2014.
    Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Combs is participating in a drug-abuse rehabilitation program at FCI Fort Dix, while his legal team continues to appeal his conviction and sentence, calling the punishment excessive and seeking acquittal or resentencing.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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