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 One resident urged the board not to reject the proposal outright but rather to create standards for data centers before taking a vote — an opinion that elicited boos from the crowd. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Building a Better California has also allocated a large chunk of its massive war chest to reserve $87 million worth of advertising time ahead of the November election to sway public opinion, the New York Times reported last month. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026 Connect To Real-World Trends After finding a trend, fact or opinion on TikTok or Instagram, audiences use YouTube to explore further. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 True courage, in Vie’s opinion, is about choosing to rise above fear. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • The profile of investors in English football clearly echoes that belief.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • This belief is vital for a student to do well in college and the rest of their life.
    Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Elite football demands difficult, sometimes brutal decisions.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank (ECB), during a rates decision news conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Gifting bird's-eye views of London from 138 feet above the River Thames, this permanent feature debuted in 2014 as one of the most unique vantage points in the city.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Ultimately, Ogunyemi's view of leadership depends on a willingness to tolerate uncertainty.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before returning the verdict.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But the state of New York offers defendants strong double jeopardy protections; in New York, a prior conviction—either through a guilty plea or a guilty verdict after a trial—for the same offense typically triggers double jeopardy.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Monaco and Horodyshche, Ukraine — When the blast went off, Vadym Yermolaiev’s mind went blank.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Where the claims fall short The gap between a viral claim and a lifelong habit is exactly what White wants people to keep in mind.
    Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • When the commission came to the same conclusion, the condo association appealed once again to Miami-Dade Circuit Court.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • That’s the conclusion of new survey of 5,693 frontline workers and managers out of Dayforce, which finds that frontline productivity suffers due to disconnected information and workflows.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Due to multiple malfunctions in the LINK spacecraft's attitude control system, space engineers have decided to abandon the boost attempt.
    David Szondy August 20, New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Asked about Fernandez’s future in a press conference to preview Chelsea’s clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, Alonso praised the Argentina international’s quality and attitude in training at Cobham without giving a definitive response.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • With her big dreams and determination, Shyniyah hopes to one day become the President of the United States.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The singer connected that determination to a memory from childhood, describing a tendency to challenge what adults told her was true.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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