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 The move marks the first time that CARICOM as a bloc has sought the opinion of the CCJ since the tribunal was established in 2001 and began operation four years later. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 The opinions, which neither justice is expected to discuss in their testimony, included a ruling upholding the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, which Trump sought to undercut with an executive order. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 7 July 2026 Charlie Taney is the great-great-grandnephew of former Chief Justice Roger Taney, the man who wrote the infamous Dred Scott opinion that helped provoke the Civil War. Carrie Johnson, NPR, 7 July 2026 Oil markets can be highly volatile and opinions in the sector may change instantaneously and without notice. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • That belief gives the practice its foundation, though the daily expression shows up in more practical ways.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • The belief that life goes on, even if you’re battered and broken.
    Marissa Stapley, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs and risk tolerance before making a decision.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • In the order, which formally denied motions for reconsideration filed by both sides following an earlier decision, Moskowitz said the case screams for an out-of-court resolution.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • But as global investors consider whether AI itself has become a bubble, BlackRock’s view is to buy stocks exposed to scarce industry inputs.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Surveillance footage showed the three men running out of camera view.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Kunst said given the Vatican’s usual summer slowing of operations and eventual closure for the month of August, the earliest the verdict would appear is September given that nothing materialized by the end of last month.
    Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
  • Trump listed the verdict as a liability in his 2025 financial disclosure report released last month.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Top of mind was the April 19 killing of 19 people in Negros Occidental, a province in the central Philippines.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • The semiotics of the badge signal a sort of hive-mind curation, a global book group that has determined that this book, of all the millions of books, is worthy of promotion.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • The event offered a diverse mix of finishes and decisions, providing plenty of action beyond the main event's abrupt conclusion.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Yet, just hours after the conclusion of the second day of the NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets said goodbye to the LaMelo Ball era, sending him to Minnesota for Naz Reid even though the star guard loved it in the Carolinas.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • Americans’ attitudes toward the economy have improved slightly as gas prices declined, but their outlook remains mostly negative.
    Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Wilder’s work has since faced criticism for depicting some ghastly attitudes toward Native Americans.
    Judy Berman, Time, 9 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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