Definition of disbeliefnext
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

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 disbelief Many on social media are expressing disbelief in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s conclusion that the 16-year-old died by suicide and are demanding her case be reopened. Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 Every novel requires some suspension of disbelief, but a book narrated by an animal—a surprisingly common subgenre—raises unique questions about representation. Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 The TVs played scenes from the Harry Potter films and helped suspend disbelief where magical creatures were involved, and the lighting system aided in spellcasting. Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Euphoric players cavorting in disbelief, long-suffering fans crumpling to their knees in tears, commentators’ voices cracking at the drama of it all. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disbelief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disbelief
Noun
  • When employees are unsure whether a communication is genuinely human or synthetically generated, skepticism naturally rises.
    Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The barrier islands have a history of powerful currents and drowning deaths — but the Wells’ family lawyer, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, voiced skepticism on the notion that the teenager may have drowned.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Therefore, Tunick remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Since the State could not disprove the justification defense beyond a reasonable doubt, the evidence resulted in the decision that no criminal charges would be filed against the fast-food employees.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • James extended both arms in incredulity during the pre-overtime break.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Hoffman’s mother, when Scheiber later speaks to her, is well acquainted with this flavor of incredulity.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • The case made global headlines as suspicion quickly fell on Knox and her boyfriend of just days, Raffaele Sollecito.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • With their suspicions in mind, Kimberly and her family focused their searches for Ashley on the northwestern edge of the reservation, near Sam McDonald’s house.
    Dateline NBC, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • My own passage into and back out of unbelief—one marked by a close reading of works that earlier illiberal societies had attempted to suppress on religious grounds—has strengthened my liberal commitments.
    Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • 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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“Disbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disbelief. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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