Synonyms of conviction

conviction

noun

kən-ˈvik-shən 

1

as in certainty

a state of mind in which one is free from doubt

spoke with conviction about her political beliefs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• certainty
• assurance
• confidence
• satisfaction
• certitude
• positiveness
• assuredness
• surety
• sureness
• cocksureness
• determination
• face
• doubtlessness
• dogmatism
• authoritarianism
• decisiveness
• resolution
• firmness
• resolve
• resoluteness
• purposefulness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• doubt
• uncertainty
• hesitation
• hesitancy
• disbelief
• irresolution
• concern
• indecisiveness
• incertitude
• incredulity
• anxiety
• unbelief
• nonconfidence
• suspicion
• distrust
• misgiving
• mistrust

2

as in belief

an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge

held deep convictions about life after death

Synonyms & Similar Words

• belief
• opinion
• mind
• view
• feeling
• attitude
• impression
• judgment
• verdict
• sentiment
• perception
• notion
• persuasion
• idea
• observation
• eye
• estimate
• estimation
• assumption
• determination
• decision
• presumption
• comment
• thought
• faith
• theory
• advice
• concept
• esteem
• conception
• hypothesis
• guess
• recommendation
• conclusion
• suggestion
• presupposition
• viewpoint
• stand
• reflection
• stance
• say
• position
• conjecture
• remark
• hunch
• credit
• perspective
• deliverance
• input
• standpoint
• outlook
• credence
• take
• angle
• shoes
• obiter dictum
• surmise
• counterview
• slant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fact
• truth

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

Recent Examples of conviction

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said his office has a strong track record of fighting Medicaid fraud and has won more than 300 convictions and $80 million in judgments and restitutions during his time in office. —Audrey McAvoy, Twin Cities, 3 Mar. 2026

Attorney Julie Koehler stood with her hand on Golden’s back as an assistant state’s attorney told Watkins that the state would offer Golden two years of probation and a second-degree murder conviction. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

The Orange County district attorney’s office has opposed Kim’s effort to vacate his murder conviction. —Sean Emery, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026

Take Joe Exotic, whose 2020 conviction for a murder-for-hire plot and violations of the Endangered Species Act hasn’t kept the eccentric tiger trainer out of the headlines. —Alessandro Meregaglia, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026