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

The film opens with Edwards reporting Queen Elizabeth’s death and ends with him announcing his own conviction, which was obviously a dramatic license. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026

Phillips has numerous drug and weapon felony convictions out of Texas, according to court documents. —Robert A. Cronkleton march 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026

There is no statute of limitations on murder, and an arrest and conviction can be had no matter how much time has passed. —Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

The reports of grooming young men were separate from Edwards’ criminal conviction, and first came to light in The Sun in 2023. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026