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 In today’s moment when audiences seem hungry for connection, that belief may be more valuable than ever. Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 6 June 2026 That’s going to vary from group to group, but many of them will maintain this tension out of necessity to protect the purity of their religious belief. Torie Bosch, STAT, 6 June 2026 The address presented a dichotomy of Obama’s traditional attempts to inspire optimism while also warning his belief that democracy was showing signs of gradual erosion. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 Plus, this belief that the Blue Jackets don’t spend money doesn’t stick with the facts. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • But this squad is much deeper than the one that lost the three-time MVP to a broken toe three seasons ago, and Bellinger deserves some credit for that.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
  • The lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleges that Trader Joe's violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) by printing the first 10 digits of customers' credit and debit card numbers on its receipts—most credit cards have 16 digits.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Ecology remained characteristic of her approach, but Carson now broadened her aims to encompass a mobilization of public opinion equal to the task of addressing the widespread harms of chemical pesticides in everyday life and agricultural ecosystems alike.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Except where prohibited, acceptance of the Prize constitutes winner’s consent to Sponsor’s use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions, biographical information, hometown, and state for promotional purposes in any media without further payment of consideration.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Today, supposedly sophisticated moderns have laundered Moloch’s dark faith into militarism, imperialism, and capitalism.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • To even entertain a reality that absurd would require a faith in the American Dream blind enough to subdue the nightmare.
    Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • However, bright, clever ideas also might spring up in your mind.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • With this in mind, researchers ran some simulations to explore how all that jostling for position might have affected the moons of Jupiter and Uranus in particular — and the results suggest that these two planets' moons only survived that tumultuous time because of a giant planet that didn't.
    Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Everything in mathematics therefore rests on the axioms, or basic building blocks, of the field.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 26 May 2026
  • One may argue that a more fundamental theory (with more complete axioms) could decide the question, but the final theory should not have undecidable statements.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The food and drink The open-air terrace restaurant Koh Thai Kitchen serves up sea views alongside what is unquestionably the best breakfast on the island.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • President of Finland Alexander Stubb is seen during a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda (not in view) at the Presidential Palace.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Kouoh privileged sensitivity over certainty, creating spaces that felt genuinely alive and insistently representative of the world around us.
    Thomas Rom, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026
  • The legislation was meant to refine details of procedural matters and bring greater certainty, the authorities said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • His instincts aren’t so much recklessness as a willingness to act on conviction and let smart people and favorable terms do the work.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 2 June 2026
  • Even before his conviction, his 2024 indictment spooked the industry and led some short sellers to beef up legal disclaimers.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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