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 Texas blog Houston Historic Retail sought opinions on the change, posting images of a new sign at a fuel pump. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026 Many fans took to comment sections across social media platforms to share their own opinions — and plenty had been thinking the same thing. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 The good opinion of your boss or colleagues propels you into a new career opportunity. Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026 Ultimately, opinions on the merits of striking Iran or whether or not Trump should have sought Congressional approval can certainly vary. Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • And while the play might have happened on defense, there is a belief the sense of pride and confidence that came with it could extend to all parts of his game.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Her propulsive new book, Driven, traces a life shaped by that belief—from racing her brother on a 50cc bike in Oban, Scotland, at six, to entering the Kart World Championship at 14 as the only girl in the paddock.
    Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This doesn’t end the decisions the Panthers will have to make along the offensive line, however.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The 4-1 zoning decision comes after nearly a year of CoreCivic arguing in court that it should be allowed to reopen its facility without a permit.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Your 9th House of Higher Learning is empowered by Luna’s entry into Capricorn, encouraging you to make plans that broaden your view.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Once the account is set up, pre-teens won’t be able to access advanced features such as Meta AI, status updates, chat lock, app lock, location sharing, view-once messages, disappearing messages, and linked devices.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Those with life sentences will serve part of them in a prison and the rest in a special regime penal colony, according to the verdict.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The verdict was returned about seven hours after jurors resumed deliberations following a long weekend recess.
    Corey J. Murray, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Feeling unwell and still adjusting to the weekly grind of the ATP Tour, the Irvine native exited in the first round and quickly scratched it from his mind.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • While helping a small business deploy AI tools or securing land for a data center facility might not make for a thrilling Shark Tank pitch, in O’Leary’s mind, both opportunities could make some 25-year-olds very rich.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Armed with lanterns, loyalty, and very little logic, these unlikely heroes blunder their way to a happy conclusion for all.
    Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Per tradition, the Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team’s six seniors will speak to the fans at the conclusion of Saturday’s regular-season finale at Allen Fieldhouse.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How this shapes political attitudes, empathy and prevention outcomes remains underexplored.
    Arnaud Kurze, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel regularly praised Tonga for his attitude and work ethic inside the building.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Although efforts to stop the measure from appearing on the ballot on April 21 have failed, the state Supreme Court has already said the legal determination of whether the amendment is constitutional will be decided in court after voting has taken place.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The Golden Hawks put their heart and determination on display again Tuesday, coming back from a 14-point, third-quarter deficit to beat Leuzinger, 61-56, in the CIF Southern California Regional Division III championship game at El Dorado High.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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