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 According to the affidavit, Avalos has had prior convictions. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025 Investors focused heavily on high-conviction, high-quality assets. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025 Manuel Betancourt-Renteria Manuel Betancourt-Renteria of Mexico has 10 convictions, including two counts of assault, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, larceny and five traffic offenses, according to DHS. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025 Despite the criminal conviction, the government continued to do business with the company as Sonday remained as president. Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conviction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conviction
Noun
  • Markets continued to price in a near certainty for a Fed rate cut next week, and upped the odds for another in December, with just a 4% probability the central bank won't ease two more times before the end of the year, according to the CME Group's FedWatch.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Her certainty falters as the light from the mothership dims, the last traces of the hive connection dying above them.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some religious leaders have said the fact that Kirk's political agenda was driven by his Biblical beliefs meant he was killed for his faith and amounted to an attack on Christianity.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Emphasizing research and measurable outcomes, their philanthropy also reflects a broader belief that wealth should be used in real time—not preserved for future generations.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His legal team condemned the plan as unconstitutional and punitive, warning that without assurances from Liberia, Abrego Garcia could be sent back to El Salvador.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • German journalism unions have voiced concerns over the editorial direction of ProSieben under MFE, which led to Berlusconi providing assurances to senior government ministers that independence would remain.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The opinion was requested by the UN General Assembly in December after Israel passed laws banning UNRWA, from operating in the country, significantly curtailing its ability to deliver aid to Gaza.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA’s Department of Psychology as part of an annual media survey asked 1,500 kids and young adults between the ages 10-24 their opinions about popular culture and media.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Brazil’s leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed confidence on Monday that his country and the United States will reach a trade deal.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Playing without starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol and its top two running backs, the Mountaineers were limited offensively, and TCU’s defense did a tremendous job of not giving the West Virginia offense confidence.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Of the respondents, 30% said having a conversation about family health history had never crossed their minds and 20% said their families don't talk about health openly.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The future is at the forefront of your mind.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some studies show that adding MSG can improve meal satisfaction and slightly reduce calorie intake.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Many of us are yearning for a slower pace and more tangible satisfaction.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Now the wetlands, woods, wildflower meadows and river views, which are managed and protected by River Fields conservancy, are open for the public to enjoy from dawn to dusk.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Madrid view was clear in captain Dani Carvajal’s Instagram post on Tuesday.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conviction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conviction. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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