Definition of opinionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun opinion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of opinion are belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment, and view. While all these words mean "a judgment one holds as true," opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute.

each expert seemed to have a different opinion

When is it sensible to use belief instead of opinion?

While in some cases nearly identical to opinion, belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.

a firm belief in her party's platform

When can conviction be used instead of opinion?

The meanings of conviction and opinion largely overlap; however, conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.

the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

When might persuasion be a better fit than opinion?

In some situations, the words persuasion and opinion are roughly equivalent. However, persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.

was of the persuasion that everything changes

When is sentiment a more appropriate choice than opinion?

The words sentiment and opinion can be used in similar contexts, but sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.

her feminist sentiments are well-known

In what contexts can view take the place of opinion?

The words view and opinion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, view suggests a subjective opinion.

very assertive in stating his views

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 opinion In addition, any opinions and assumptions expressed herein are made as of the date of this communication and are subject to change and/or withdrawal without notice. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026 Among Jewish Democrats, opinion skews against AIPAC, with 37% having an unfavorable opinion and 29% favorable. Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 When to Fertilize Peonies There are many opinions on when to fertilize peonies. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026 Commentary and opinions Rick Monday saved an American flag in 1976. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • The free exercise clause prohibits government from regulating, prohibiting or rewarding religious beliefs, according to the Library of Congress.
    Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Before the four-game series with the Dodgers, Vodnik expressed his admiration for Ohtani, but also expressed belief in himself.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And even then, the decision could be out of his hands.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Karnišovas’ poor communication skills meant Donovan almost always was the spokesman for management’s decisions, even up to the Jaden Ivey debacle last month.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And yet, here in April, with the run-in upon the club and its biggest knockout match for 30 years coming into view at Wembley, Longstaff stirred those emotions again.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Winding across hills, through orchards, and surrounded by tropical flora, the layout features mountain and ocean views, notably on the 14th hole where players can marvel at whales and dolphins offshore.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Final verdict The Royals still have everything ahead of them.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Galipo said the verdict also brought some closure for Garcia’s daughters — Emily, 23, and Camila, 17 — who have been dealing with the case for the last five years.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This white chocolate bar is creamy and ultra-sweet, and the great minds at TJ’s were smart to distract from the one-note flavor with crunchy little cookie crumbles.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
  • By evening, disruptive Uranus enters your 9th House of Higher Learning and Beliefs, opening your mind to new perspectives, ideas, and possibilities.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • McFarlane’s first interim spell obviously represents far too small a sample to draw any definitive conclusions about his tactical style.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The 2025 paper comes to the conclusion that the result wouldn’t be great.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There is no question about his attitude or application; this is not a case of a player who has shirked responsibility or failed to work hard enough in training or in matches.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Princess Anne is often described as the Queen’s most like-minded child, known for her no-nonsense attitude, dry humor and unwavering commitment to her responsibilities.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • When the skyscraper where Rayburn and his family lives is destroyed in an explosion, Creasy attempts to regain his military prowess in his determination to protect Rayburn’s rebellious teen daughter Poe (Billie Boullet), who has been targeted by the terrorists.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The villain, though, is not Michael Jackson but his father, Joe, whose determination to get his boys out of Gary, Indiana, turns into something more poisonous.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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