Synonyms of credence

credence

noun

ˈkrē-dᵊn(t)s 

1

as in confidence

firm belief in the integrity, ability, effectiveness, or genuineness of someone or something

I'm afraid I don't put much credence in common gossip

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confidence
• trust
• faith
• certainty
• assurance
• conviction
• stock
• acceptance
• certitude
• positiveness
• reliance
• hope
• surety
• credit
• assuredness
• sureness
• dependence
• dependance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distrust
• mistrust
• doubt
• disbelief
• incredulity
• skepticism
• uncertainty
• suspicion
• unbelief
• dubiety
• incertitude
• misgiving
• dubiousness
• disenchantment
• disillusionment
• disillusion
• misdoubt
• nonconfidence
• distrustfulness
• mistrustfulness
• uncertainness

2

as in belief

mental conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon

a foolish theory that, incredibly, once had wide credence among educated people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• belief
• credit
• assurance
• axiom
• certainty
• faith
• article of faith
• conviction
• principle
• confidence
• reliance
• doctrine
• law
• certitude
• tenet
• trust
• positiveness
• insistence
• precept
• philosophy
• dependence
• dependance
• hope
• dogma
• sureness
• dogmatism
• fanaticism

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• doubt
• discredit
• disbelief
• unbelief
• uncertainty
• skepticism
• suspicion
• distrust
• mistrust
• nonbelief

Synonym Chooser

How is the word credence different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of credence are belief, credit, and faith. While all these words mean "assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance," credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

When is it sensible to use belief instead of credence?

In some situations, the words belief and credence are roughly equivalent. However, belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer.

my belief that I had caught all the errors

When is credit a more appropriate choice than credence?

The words credit and credence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

Where would faith be a reasonable alternative to credence?

The meanings of faith and credence largely overlap; however, faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of credence

As a result, this index no longer has much credence among economists and forecasters. —Robert Barone, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Records obtained and reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel appear to lend credence to some of the arguments made in the filing regarding the activities involving Eboni Beauty Academy. —Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025

This is the reason to take away their benefits due to their economic condition – lending credence to the stereotype that the GOP is willing to take from the poor to give to the rich. —Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025

That lends credence to the theory that by having Ratcliffe invest, amid a shallow pool of potential suitors, the Glazers have primed their minority partner to buy the club outright in future. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 12 May 2025