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 Those words invite a system where belief becomes a factor in intelligence decisions — without the oversight structures history taught us were necessary. Bob Shaw, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026 However, some still abstain from certain foods, like red meat, depending on their religious practices and personal beliefs. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026 Today, shake off anything that reduces your belief in yourself. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 22 Feb. 2026 Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief
Noun
  • Investors are increasingly scrutinizing the sectors that private credit has leaned on most heavily in recent years, particularly enterprise software.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The post-credits scene in the finale reveals that Maekar did not give Egg permission to squire Dunk, something that isn’t made explicit in the novella.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • However, the Roberts opinion’s refusal to credit the historical novelty of the government’s action may prove problematic in the future.
    Sandeep Gopalan, Baltimore Sun, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Trump’s persistence flouts public opinion, as some nervous Republicans keep trying to tell him.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The patchy performances of usual left-back Vitalii Mykolenko and Moyes’ faith in Michael Keane have also influenced the decision-making process.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Jewish, Catholic and Muslim faith leaders all spoke at a press conference at City Hall about the importance of the bills to combat hate.
    Doug Williams, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Get clarity on a key point in your own mind.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
  • That concept isn’t out of sight, out of mind.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Admittedly, that axiom is being tested in a few locations this year, whether in Philadelphia (VJ Edgecombe, 76ers), Charlotte (Kon Knueppel, Hornets) or Boston (Hugo González, Celtics).
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The axiom about first getting one’s own house in order before pointing to the fault of others is appropriate here.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Channel your inner Gidget and spend a few nights at this mid-century modern rental, which offers ocean views from above the treetops.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Condensation built up on the shop’s windows, obscuring the view from outside.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Slight adjustments could be made in oxygen flow or the warmth of the incubator, but no one could predict with any certainty the impact of those actions.
    Steven Levingston, Vanity Fair, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Adaptability keeps us moving forward even when certainty is out of reach.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • During the stop, the officer learned Riviat had a 2018 conviction for second-degree battery in Faulkner County, the report said.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The Indiana Court of Appeals rejected a Chicago man’s bid to toss his voluntary manslaughter conviction.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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