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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The cases in Blair’s book, however gruesome, catalogue methods that our species has used to manage terror, sorrow, and disbelief in the face of the irremediable and unpredictable arrival of death. Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026 Shepard's co-host Monica Padman asked in disbelief. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026 Lanning was overwhelmed, and in disbelief. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026 Both players used their news conferences after the match to express disbelief and distaste at the criticism. James Hansen, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disbelief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disbelief
Noun
  • European and Ukrainian reactions ranged from cautious engagement to outright skepticism.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • However, some legal experts and investors are anticipating a partial or full refutation of the president’s IEEPA tariffs, as the justices showed skepticism during arguments about the president’s authority to levy such taxes without Congressional approval.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • No doubt that came after conversations with his leadership core of players, too.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Now two new polls show serious doubts among Americans about acquiring Greenland, a self-governing, autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a longstanding NATO ally.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Officials apparently didn’t feel the same rush of incredulity.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • All the while, Tony Award winning director David Cromer (The Band’s Visit) exploits audience suspicion.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Priya, meanwhile, turns her suspicions on Jack as well as the elusive Catherine, who yields no results on a Google search save for an article about her dead older sister.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Disbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disbelief. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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