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 Some of Najib’s victims were present at the courthouse, including two who were teenagers in 2011 and expressed their opinions to The Associated Press. Ghaith Alsayed, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 The Justice Department’s opinion said that the current version of TikTok functions independently of ByteDance and is now majority owned by US investors. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 The Nissan is an underappreciated option in my opinion, with a better interior than the VW. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026 Another data point is Romo’s performance, or at least the perception of it, which has declined in the opinion of some critics. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • White, Clark and others with the Fever have been asked to respond to Cunningham’s beliefs since, and other voices in the league have weighed in as well.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • States without personal-belief exemptions consistently have higher vaccination rates – and are less likely to see outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases – than states that do allow them.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • World soccer governing body FIFA, which organizes the World Cup, said immigration decisions were the purview of host countries for the tournament.
    Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • And, Congress declined to maintain subsidies that Americans buying coverage through health insurance exchanges receive, a decision that has already caused many to let their coverage lapse.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In those entries, Fauci discussed his views on the origins of the coronavirus — a topic Paul has accused Fauci of issuing misleading statements on, which Fauci has long denied.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The stream will feature expert commentary on the science of the eclipse along with live views from telescopes at the Observatorio Astrofisco de Javalambre, which is located close to the Spanish city of Teruel directly in the path of totality.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Most appeals come after a case has concluded with a ruling or a verdict.
    Reuters, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Bäck’s film prefers untidy personal drama to a tidy moral verdict.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The new mind also has to solve the math problem sitting in front of it.
    Lisa Nee, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The cold is what first springs to mind when thinking of Oldham’s home.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The designation represents a disappointing conclusion to what had been an opportunity for Allard to work his way back toward the majors.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Endgame was the grand conclusion of Marvel’s initial saga, featuring Spider-Man alongside every other popular character in the company’s wheelhouse.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The cast share the characters’ disparate attitudes toward queerness.
    Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
  • An infrared seeker helps identify the threat, while onboard divert and attitude controls steer the vehicle toward an intercept.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This time in a poll, every juror said the verdict was his or her individual determination.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But many of the players said the hurdle only fueled their determination to pursue the sport through other avenues.
    Jaclyn Licht, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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