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 Recent events of political violence have challenged that belief and further eroded our philosophies of finding common ground and coming together during times of crisis. Mark Waller, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025 Driven by a belief in the power of African storytelling, Benson intends to create a first-of-its-kind storytelling institute in Lagos that is primarily focused on equipping emerging filmmakers with practical skills in factual filmmaking and impact-driven storytelling. Brent Lang, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025 And how Christian beliefs about the end of days are seeping into all of our minds. Brittany Luse, NPR, 26 Sep. 2025 Stokes further wrote on his belief that even more cases of hybridization are actively occurring; however, variables are keeping the proper research and potential data from coming to light. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • Although Americans mostly associate California with wine country, Texas deserves credit, Landon said.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Available in 6 different colors, this $15 passport holder has an RFID-blocking shield that blocks potential thieves from accessing the funds and personal information that can be pulled from your credit and debit cards.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Public opinion has historically played a decisive role in shutdown fights, with voters often blaming the party seen as most intransigent.
    Nik Popli, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • To qualify as defamation, Ray J’s statements would have to go beyond merely hostile opinions and instead assert a provably false statement.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To have someone die for the courage of their faith.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
  • When Atsu was first revealed as the game’s protagonist, reactionaries jumped to disavow the sequel, citing bad-faith reasoning that failed to hide their prejudices.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Your mind tells you one thing while your intuition says another.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Golf talk was top of mind as guests shared their photos from the tournament and made plans to hit the West Side driving course early the next morning, before catching a helicopter out to the final.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But is that axiom true if someone's only gone a few hours?
    David Oliver, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Rob Picciolo axiom of ’98 that a ballplayer shouldn’t be surprised by anything that happens in a game, Cronenworth got a great jump out of the batter’s box, cornered first base precisely and made a crisp slide into second base.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The former is located between Lake Coville and Lake Grosvenor and hosts up to six guests at one time; the latter has amazing views of Nonvianuk Lake and has room for 24 guests across 11 cabins.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Exacerbating the pressure is the fact that more VCs than ever are trying to funnel capital into possible winners, at a time where there’s no certainty about what evaluating success or traction even looks like.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • With each passing day, a shutdown is looking more like a certainty than a possibility.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Maria Montessori knew that childhood offers a unique opportunity to nurture a new generationthat is ready to take on the challenges of their time with curiosity, compassion, and conviction.
    Jose Bolanos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The tempo supports his rapid-fire bars, though, balancing heartbreak over those slain with conviction for their cause.
    Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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