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

Examples of opinion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Dimon has not endorsed a candidate Despite erroneous claims from the Trump camp that Dimon—a Harvard Business School grad—has endorsed the Republican candidate, the JPMorgan CEO has deliberately avoided expressing any opinion on either side thus far. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024 Some polling points to improvement in public opinion on the economy, albeit from low levels. Dave Lawler, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024 At the time of the brothers’ two trials, public opinion was strongly against them. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024 But entering office without a strong popular vote could leave them facing constant political resistance, a divided public opinion, and questions about their legitimacy. Alan Fleischmann, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for opinion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opinion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near opinion

Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on opinion

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