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 But in my opinion, the change is going to come when a 17- or 18-year-old understands or sees that movement, embraces it, and brings it to the forefront. Kyle Eustice, VIBE.com, 14 July 2026 Kavanaugh’s opinion contains a long lyrical tribute to female athletes. M. Gessen, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 In Publius, Reid Wilson lays out the polling on data centers in states where they’re being built, finding a surge of public opinion against them. David Weigel, semafor.com, 14 July 2026 Commentary and opinions Bloody crashes are a fact of life on Malibu’s fabled but deadly stretch of PCH, argues columnist Robin Abcarian. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • The first and most damaging is certainty—the belief that your views are unequivocally right.
    Susan MacKenty Brady, Fortune, 14 July 2026
  • Critics argue that religious stories should not be explicitly taught in public schools attended by students with a variety of different religious beliefs.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • The best meals arrive slowly, with water nearby, warm air moving through the room, and service that makes staying longer feel like the only sensible decision.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Once Spieth took the unplayable, the hill blocked any view of what was actually going on.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The skyline matters, but unlike too many rooftop spots in Manhattan, the kitchen here actually keeps pace with the view.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • For example, a 30-second limit from the first stoppage of play for an initial VAR verdict, then another 30 seconds for the referee to make the final call.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 14 July 2026
  • The total comprises the $5 million in damages awarded in the jury's May 2023 verdict, plus post-judgment interest that accrued in the subsequent three years.
    Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • To my mind that’s Union Station, the epicenter of the city’s rail and transit system and the doorway into its sprawling and grid-like downtown district.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Of course, the same conclusion goes for Damon, Hathaway, Pattinson, Jon Bernthal and all of the other non-Greek cast.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • An independent committee investigating the cause of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades heard arguments on how improper practices that evaded regulatory oversight turned a small fire into a tragedy as the case neared its conclusion Friday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • One other surprising benefit could be to shift people’s attitudes to climate change, according to recent research.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • As Odysseus wanders from place to place, discovering the foreign customs and attitudes of each one, the story explores the concept of home, asking what kind of civilization is appropriate for an authentic human being.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • But as far as their defensive commitment goes, and their sheer determination to see the game plan through, Paraguay deserve at least a little credit for almost shutting an incredible team down.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • For 250 years, Americans have overcome every challenge with grit, resilience, and determination.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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