Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conviction differ from other similar words?

The words certainty and certitude are common synonyms of conviction. While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

How do certainty and certitude relate to one another, in the sense of conviction?

Both certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof.

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

When can certitude be used instead of conviction?

While in some cases nearly identical to conviction, certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

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 conviction As a result, the conviction was ultimately vacated, and a retrial was ordered. Michaela Zee, Variety, 18 Apr. 2025 The Trump administration has not focused enforcement on individuals with criminal convictions but cast a far broader net in pursuing deportations. Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 The defense requested Dean issue a withheld judgment in the case, which removes a conviction from a person’s record after fulfilling the sentence and probation requirements. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2025 Carlos Ambriz, a 53-year-old Mexican national, made contact with ICE officers while serving a 40-year sentence in the Montana State Prison for a deliberate homicide conviction and was served a notice to appear before an immigration judge. Elizabeth Pritchett, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conviction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conviction
Noun
  • But that's just about the only certainty in what could otherwise be a night full of intrigue and surprises.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Without certainty of funding, the project may not advance as originally planned and Denverites will pay the price.
    Jill Locantore, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But Sarah Harris, the Justice Department attorney who helped defend the parents’ position, said the county has put price on public education at the expense of parents forgoing their religious beliefs.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • For The 1st Time — At Lower Prices Champion their core beliefs Your target customers hold strong opinions about their world.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Without robust standards and awareness, pricing shifts and country of origin don’t offer much assurance of any meaningful progress.
    Zoe Bayliss Wong, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • But on the occasions when the ball did find him around the box, the cocky assurance that saw him nutmeg Branthwaite en route to scoring a 29-minute hat-trick in last season’s corresponding fixture was nowhere to be seen.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • To drive home that point, Justice Samuel Alito wrote an 11-page concurring opinion devoted to the Blaine Amendment and anti-Catholic bias.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In Wells’ opinion, that ability has been the most remarkable thing about him thus far.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps what was most interesting about this year’s festivities were the colors and textures that were utilized to showcase the boisterous personalities and confidence of the players.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Correlation isn’t causation, but continuity and confidence just might be contagious.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trust in Trump’s economy slips, new poll finds Many Americans voted with their wallets front of mind during the 2024 presidential election.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The real culprit, in the West Wing’s mind, remains Powell.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Polk County prosecutors argued otherwise, and proved their case to the satisfaction of a jury, which convicted Johnson on April 9 of first-degree murder for Loffredo's death.
    William Morris, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Much in the way tiny things make our brains feel in control and organized, vacuuming my car brings me that sense of satisfaction and power over one of the messy aspects of my life.
    Nena Farrell, Wired News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The rule includes everything from followers, likes, views, and comments.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Madrid have long been publicly vocal whenever the club feels officiating decisions have not gone their way, and club president Florentino Perez has been critical of what many at the Bernabeu view as refereeing bias against their side.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conviction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conviction. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conviction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!