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 Aries Full Moon lights up your communication zone, bringing a message, opinion, decision, or piece of information into the open. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026 Everyone seemed to have an opinion about what Pelato should become, but Scotto and his mother wanted to improve the operation without stripping away the family culture at its center. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026 Naturally, living individuals portrayed in movies and on TV will have opinions on characters who take their likeness. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026 Bucks, Buc-ee’s and tourism Up the block, Jill Russell expressed a mix of opinions. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • Political opinions become more certain than the underlying beliefs.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Bears are currently 10-point favorites, and Colorado has not done much of anything since 2024 to instill belief that Coach Deion can build a winner in Boulder.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The repeal’s effect on power companies’ present-day decisions – which plants to continue to operate, what to build and with what pollution controls built in – affects the electricity prices consumers pay now and over the coming decades.
    — Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Her home isn’t in the highway’s path, but she was still baffled by council’s decision.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • We’re given a grand vista of demolition, and also close-ups of Ghidorah seen from the point-of-view of Professor Murakami (Min Tanaka), a Hiroshima survivor who’s been doing biological creature research.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The Aries Full Moon activates your career zone, bringing recognition, ambition, or a long-developing goal into clearer view.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The murder weapon is of course important evidence, but legally it’s not required to get a guilty verdict.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Friday’s verdict follows several others against Meta recently.
    — Mikella Schuettler, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Hardly decipherable, but the syllables tugged at the corner of my mind.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • That result remains etched in the standings but is finally blurred from McVay's mind.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But to jump to conclusions that the intent of this celebration was to drink alcohol and specifically beer was a leap.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • When the system is uncertain, the case can be escalated rather than forcing a binary conclusion.
    — Arpan Saxena, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Top banking analyst Mike Mayo of Wells Fargo is out with his third-quarter earnings preview, with mixed attitudes on Club names BNY and Goldman Sachs .
    — Matthew J. Belvedere,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The traits measure a player’s attitude, toughness, discipline, love for the game and commitment to his teammates.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Amelia Maldonado, a county land-use spokesperson, said in an email that while county staffers provide recommendations, the Planning Commission has the authority to reach its own determination.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Peete’s story should teach us that defensive action and determination can go a long way.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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