as in skepticism
refusal to accept something as true
their story explaining their absence was met with frank disbelief
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of disbelief
Near the launch site, members of the crowd shrieked or stared in disbelief.
—
Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Ruzicka exclaimed in disbelief.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
With confetti swirling on his shoulders and landing at his feet, Benson reflected on his journeys in joyous disbelief.
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Against Purdue on Wednesday night, however, UCLA already led comfortably when Dugalić placed her palms on her head in disbelief when the Bruins parted with their challenge; the 6-foot-4 post player profusely apologized to her coach on the sidelines.
—Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disbelief
Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Ruzicka exclaimed in disbelief.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
With confetti swirling on his shoulders and landing at his feet, Benson reflected on his journeys in joyous disbelief.
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Against Purdue on Wednesday night, however, UCLA already led comfortably when Dugalić placed her palms on her head in disbelief when the Bruins parted with their challenge; the 6-foot-4 post player profusely apologized to her coach on the sidelines.
—Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disbelief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disbelief
Noun
-
Cuban took to social media on Sunday to post his thoughts on the Mavericks’ loss, the calls (or lack thereof) that go against Flagg and the skepticism Kidd has received after playing the rookie out of position at point guard for much of the season.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Feb. 2026
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And even as awareness of the capabilities of advanced artificial intelligence spreads, some online are extending their skepticism of authentic media, falsely claiming that legitimate photos and videos of Pretti have been altered by AI.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Negotiations between the two sides are poised to resume on Sunday amid doubts about Moscow's commitment to a settlement.—
AAMER MADHANI AND SUSIE BLANN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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Some Minnesotans reacted with doubt and concern to Homan’s announcement Thursday, as many residents’ trust in law enforcement has been eroded by the killings of two residents, weeks of clashes and a troubled history of high-profile tragedies.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Speaking to The Athletic at a yacht racing conference in Amsterdam in November, Bruno Dubois voiced his incredulity at the sums being spent by top teams on securing the best talent.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2026
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Officials apparently didn’t feel the same rush of incredulity.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There is growing suspicion that Iran underreported the total count, prompting calls within the country for an independent investigation into the number of people killed in the past month.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Feb. 2026
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The Fourth Amendment protects people from being stopped without reasonable suspicion and arresting without probable cause, a higher standard.—
Meg Anderson,
NPR,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But the indirect benefits seem to reflect a posture against green energy, related to unbelief in climate change, and these lead to support for inefficient energy alternatives like nuclear and geothermal and gas-fired turbines.—
Ian Dexter Palmer,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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The historical abnormality of modern-day unbelief was a theme of Pope Benedict XVI’s in the years before, during, and after his pontificate.—
Katherine Howell,
National Review,
30 Nov. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Disbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disbelief. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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