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 Still, Kayla held onto a quiet belief that there was something more in store for her. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026 Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Georgia Nichols, Dallas Morning News, 11 Apr. 2026 The son of a preacher, his parents always said to pray, to take care of himself long enough for research to catch up with their belief in a different future. Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 Supporters argued the United States was built on Christian beliefs and should not be shied away from in Texas public schools. Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • In the wake of the breach, PowerSchool offered two years' worth of credit-monitoring and identity protection services to concerned customers.
    Mike Levine, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • All that credit goes to the co-creators Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and director Tye Blue, who have crafted one of the sharpest books Broadway has seen in years.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Five of the rulings came after the advisory opinion was published.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Indeed, in my opinion, Hersh — who is also an accomplished solo artist, an acclaimed author and the leader of another rock band called 50 Foot Wave — might just be the most fascinating person in all of music.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond fitness and faith, the race also gives back.
    Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • His father is a pastor, and Holley calls his faith the defining characteristic of his life.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • With the expansion North Texas is seeing, preparing tomorrow's leaders is top of mind for Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.
    Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Infielder Hyeseong Kim had his mind set before the game.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Proof of this axiom comes from the IRS and its publication of the latest (2023) migration numbers.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Now that Chalamet is also dealing with the headache of his remarks last month to Matthew McConaughey about the lack of impact that ballet and opera have on modern culture, the first and most obvious lesson is that, to quote the old axiom, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
    Josh Spiegel, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Airplanes and helicopters can provide a more comprehensive view, Miller said, especially across the sprawling coast of Iran.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • An aerial view of the area from the KDKA Drone Team showed multiple ladder trucks spraying water on the home, which spread to the adjacent building next door.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Fudd’s selection came with less certainty than some recent drafts.
    Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 13 Apr. 2026
  • All of this is to amp up our sympathy for these men and our certainty that Carol killed Floyd, until the season finale finally sketches her out, albeit thinly.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But that conviction would later fall apart.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The two other defendants, ex-ComEd executive John Hooker and former City Club of Chicago head Jay Doherty, did not appeal their convictions and have already served prison sentences and been released to halfway houses in the Chicago area.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

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