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 Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026 Alito issued his temporary pause on the 5th Circuit opinion last week after the two pharmaceutical companies that make mifepristone, Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro, filed emergency petitions with the Supreme Court. Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 11 May 2026 On the night that everything changed, one of them would end the night screaming, and the other, in my opinion, didn't scream enough. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026 Originally utilizing polling by Gallup to determine award winners in television, film, and music categories based on popular opinion, the show switched to online fan voting in 2005. Michael Schneider, Variety, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • Take time to reflect and renew your spiritual and religious beliefs.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
  • The strength of that belief has fluctuated, dipping sharply after their March defeat by City before rising again in recent weeks.
    Ayo Akinwolere, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • And Tuesday, Cypress was able to manufacture a run in the seventh to leave him with a no decision.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • Parting ways with Morey was ultimately not an easy decision for the 76ers, but Philadelphia’s inability to take the next step in a constantly changing East played a significant role in the organization’s direction.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • That would, in their view, allow for more teams to reach the field based on strength of schedule instead of conference affiliation.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • Bates also expressed concern that, under the Administration’s view of the case, its determination that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional cannot be challenged in court.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Andy Gall today and as a rookie patrolman For Gall, who was just a rookie that September day in 1979, the verdict closed a very big circle.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • Becky Hill reads Alex Murdaugh 2023 guilty verdict In 2023, Murdaugh was convicted of gunning down his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at the family’s hunting estate in 2021.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Instead, the seductive peacefulness of the house brought to her mind the contemplative sets in the BBC adaptation of Wolf Hall.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Keep in mind that the Nomadix is essentially only an off-road e-moto, as it is not yet homologated for street riding.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The conclusion of this step allowed engineers to assess that the reactor unit is ready to be shipped off and installed in the vessel.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
  • Griffin comes to the conclusion that Tynan must have helped his dad cover up a murder and plans on confronting her.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Berben believes that attitudes could improve, having recently returned from CinemaCon, the annual trade show for movie theater owners, which was held in Las Vegas last month.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 11 May 2026
  • Gombrowicz never really ‘assimilated’ to life in Argentina, partly due to the unique and unprecedented circumstances that brought him there in the first place, but also because of his naturally irreverent and at times even childish attitude towards literary establishment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Bates also expressed concern that, under the Administration’s view of the case, its determination that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional cannot be challenged in court.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • There is a hyper awareness to TSADACM, a determination to point out each of its Easter eggs and allusions, lest the viewer think Schoenbrun is trying to outsmart anyone.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on opinion

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster