1
as in accepted
to regard as right or true
only the most naive car buyer would have believed the salesman's claim that the dealership was actually losing money on the deal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thought
to have as an opinion
despite the horrors she witnessed and endured, Anne Frank steadfastly believed that "people are really good at heart"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 believed
Investigators said drugs or alcohol are not believed to be a factor in her death.
—
Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Our original motto made no claim about what Americans believed about God.
—David Williamson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Rumours about the park have been widely discussed in theme park circles online for months and it is believed to be codenamed Project Atlas.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
In the years after the American Revolution, many clergy believed that the harvest field had become barren.
—Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
Troopers on Tuesday were contacted by the Green Bay Police Department that a suspect, later identified by officials as the man, 26, had stolen a vehicle in the city and was believed to be traveling to the area of Sault Ste.
—Nick Lentz, CBS News, 14 June 2026
In 2026, many believed the war might accelerate regime change.
—Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
This is for the fans who believed — full-heartedly — that Kevin Knox was a future All-Star, or that Frank Ntilikina was the missing piece in Jackson’s Triangle Offense.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
Authorities say the shooters, believed to be firing at each other, remain at large and are urging festival-goers to share photos or videos that might help identify suspects.
—Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Our original motto made no claim about what Americans believed about God.
—David Williamson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Rumours about the park have been widely discussed in theme park circles online for months and it is believed to be codenamed Project Atlas.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
In the years after the American Revolution, many clergy believed that the harvest field had become barren.
—Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
Troopers on Tuesday were contacted by the Green Bay Police Department that a suspect, later identified by officials as the man, 26, had stolen a vehicle in the city and was believed to be traveling to the area of Sault Ste.
—Nick Lentz, CBS News, 14 June 2026
In 2026, many believed the war might accelerate regime change.
—Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
This is for the fans who believed — full-heartedly — that Kevin Knox was a future All-Star, or that Frank Ntilikina was the missing piece in Jackson’s Triangle Offense.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
Authorities say the shooters, believed to be firing at each other, remain at large and are urging festival-goers to share photos or videos that might help identify suspects.
—Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for believed
Verb
-
The Boston Police Department (BPD) said the pair made several passes by the stand before approaching and asking whether Apple Pay was accepted.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
California also allows ballots, if postmarked by election day, to be accepted up to a week after polls close — though that policy may soon be forced to change depending how the Supreme Court rules on a case challenging ballots arriving after election day.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
The findings, which were published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One, provide radiocarbon dating data as well as an analysis of building material, suggesting the boat traveled farther than previously thought.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
11 Dec. 2025
-
At the time, both their son and daughter thought the basement was scary, which led to another route for the room’s remodel.—
Lennie Omalza,
Louisville Courier Journal,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Lee understood the dramaturgy of space.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
12 June 2026
-
The relationship that followed would become one of mutual respect and understanding, with Jackie finding the Queen to be someone who understood the unique pressures of public life and all that came with it.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias also is widely considered to be preparing a run for mayor.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
Knowing the basics of biomarkers, PSMA and PSMA-PET scans can help caregivers ask informed questions, participate more confidently in treatment discussions and ensure that every appropriate option is being considered.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
After the second red card, Mexico took its foot off the gas again and was met with whistles from the crowd, who were hungry for more goals.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
The Cadets trailed 1-0 through three innings Thursday, but took the lead in the fourth on a single from Brody Cashill that plated a pair.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Who would have guessed before this game Bryce Young would thoroughly outplay Stafford?—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Dec. 2025
-
There was consensus – ESPN’s panel of insiders guessed the Clippers would be the league’s sixth-best team!—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
26 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Another design figured the view of the pyramids shining against a gradient sky.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
9 June 2026
-
But, if nothing else, the Yankees figured the right-handed Goldschmidt could be a weapon off the bench against southpaws while continuing to mentor Rice at first and providing veteran leadership.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
And this year, no one had a greater impact than the individuals who imagined, designed, and built AI.—
Sam Jacobs,
Time,
11 Dec. 2025
-
If the teams win, a whole new business of NASCAR will need to be imagined and implemented, and the governing body will need to pay hefty sums in damages, too.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Believed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/believed. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
