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 As a counterweight, a periphery of mass opinion—a new version of the public sphere—can force fresh items onto the societal agenda. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Conflicting legal opinions The Lubbock County injunction sparked immediate, widespread outrage in the universe of collegiate athletics. Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 15 June 2026 So the lawsuit both, formally has to do with the idea of presidential authority in this space and also might have an effect on public opinion and public apprehensions about how our elections are run and the integrity of that process. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 15 June 2026 The Obama Presidential Center’s unrelenting marketing campaign and weekslong soft opening have inspired an avalanche of opinions and emotions. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • Brunson is at his best when everything is at its worst, blessed with belief that seems at times desperate and determination that can feel almost manic.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Recent Pew data shows that roughly 58 million Americans do not affirm belief in any god or universal spirit.
    David Williamson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Partey, who pleaded not guilty to all those charges, appealed against the decision not to allow him into Canada and saw his arguments dismissed.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • For Antwan McKoy, the decision was always going to be one of those two schools.
    Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Chuck Jacobs, Kohelet congregation president CBS Although much different from our first visit back in February, the view from Kohelet, which backs up to what's left of the apartment complex, is still a reminder of the largest fire in Denver in three decades.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • The video series, which pairs actors in conversation with one another to discuss the top contenders of awards season, amassed an additional 80 million views from the previous season, reaching a total of 178 million views across all platforms.
    Variety Staff, Variety, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Adams had a different verdict on the proceedings.
    Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 18 June 2026
  • The verdict With so many resorts in the Maldives to choose from, any new ones need to overachieve in order to compete with long-time favourites.
    Deeya Sonalkar, TheWeek, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Regardless, not every player is drafted with stardom in mind.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • The Virgo moon offers opportunities to share what’s on your mind with others.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • By the time the season reaches its conclusion, Lestat is still larger than life.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • At the same time, progressive and labor groups that often find themselves at odds with the Chamber are avoiding jumping to conclusions, saying the move speaks more to the group’s quest for relevance than Becerra’s politics.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The result was reflected by the two head coaches’ vastly differing postgame attitudes.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
  • In the corner of the team’s theater room, Wright hung a chart that was updated regularly by the team’s leader in attitude points, awarded for out-of-the-box accomplishments such as diving on the floor for loose balls or taking charges.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • The most noticeable change in Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh’s oversight of the central bank, compared to his predecessor, Jerome Powell, is his determination to reform the institution.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • The Secretary of State’s Office made the determination Tuesday.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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