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 Commentary and opinion Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco can’t catch a break. Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The Texas Politics Projects also gauged voter’s opinions on other statewide races set for the November midterm ballot, including the contest for Texas governor. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 The defense attorney then pressed Heilbrun about his involvement in this case and whether his hiring by the prosecution affects his opinion in this case. Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 The Associated Press An arbitrator has ordered The Washington Post to reinstate a Black opinion writer fired over social media posts about violent white men following last year's killing of Charlie Kirk. ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • Contrary to popular belief, good skin care doesn’t require you to blow through your entire beauty maintenance budget.
    Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The attention Everytime received in Cannes – and now the jury’s confidence in the film – reinforce our belief that cinema needs distinctive voices with the courage to follow their own form and, precisely by doing so, reach audiences across borders.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Quebec’s Premier Christine Fréchette said Carney made the right decision to walk away from the negotiating table.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Gao has refused to plead guilty to the charges and plans to appeal the decision.
    News Desk, Artforum, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This concludes a much more low-key episode than the pilot but one that keeps its characters in full view while nudging each mystery carefully forward.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In Carney’s view, however, Canada has been attacked by the United States, which for decades has been one of its closest partners and allies.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Hochman called Monday’s verdict an important step toward justice and accountability.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Glenn Close has given her final verdict on All’s Fair costar Kim Kardashian, after their ensemble legal drama debuted to scathing reviews that, according to a new social media post, still plague the latter.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • On his mind are various ideas for addressing social upheaval.
    Reuters, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
  • While the settlement may put Meta investors' minds at ease for now, while setting a perhaps reassuring precedent for the rest of social media, analysts don't think the Mark Zuckerberg company is completely out of the legal woods.
    Tobias Burns, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the lack of outward signs in Ocean Springs, Nolan’s death has come to mean different things to different people and a lack of answers from authorities has left residents drawing their own conclusions about the circumstances of his death.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Trump faces mounting pressure to address high gas prices as the war in Iran on Friday reached a six-month milestone with no conclusion in sight.
    Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Before Gus could take on that role, Bell first had to find a dog with the right attitude for the job.
    Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In a sport like golf, where grinders like Clark are revered, that sort of head-down, do-the-work attitude may be what ends up appealing to fans.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The sheriff’s office later declined to say why that determination was made, when the remains were found or who found them when asked by CNN.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The United States has extremely capable engineers, manufacturing expertise and a lot of determination.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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