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 hire by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison drew scrutiny given that Weiss, a former New York Times opinion writer and founder of The Free Press, had no prior experience in broadcast news. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 18 May 2026 In my opinion, this situation of undecidability can only be avoided if the structure of space and time is discrete — that is, characterized by a countable infinity of points only. Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2026 The editorial team did not contribute to these pieces, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the editorial staff. Phan Khang, Mercury News, 18 May 2026 But everyone needs to recognize that others can hold opinions different from their own. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • She surely was also exposed to Madame Charlotte Mentelle’s feminist beliefs and abolitionist leanings.
    Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • But the Dodgers front office didn’t entertain the notion of bumping him, instead doubling down on their belief that the best thing for Sasaki’s long-term development was continuing to face big-league hitters.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The doctor–patient relationship is also frequently beset by dilemmas and decisions beyond the pathology at hand.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • The decision will allow physicians to administer puberty blockers and hormone therapy for teenagers experiencing gender dysphoria with the permission of their parents.
    Matthew Kelly May 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • This view has the political implication that any revolution must first be internal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • However, some concertgoers said they were frustrated by restrictive views in the floor section, citing the production's tall ramp structures.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 21 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
  • At the same time, your minds and bodies are changing.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
  • Made from ultra-soft Italian leather, this pair is designed with comfort in mind.
    Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Employers should examine where hiring teams may be treating decision inputs as automatic conclusions rather than one part of a broader employment analysis.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • The 192-page document, written by Paul Rivera, a Democratic consultant unaffiliated with the Biden and Harris campaigns, lacks key sections, including a conclusion and an executive summary.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • In the right hands, delivered with an attitude that respects both the subjects and gallery visitors, this frantic exploration of cowboys and the West by art galleries can still have something to say.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
  • Launched in 2001, Bratz made its name by offering dolls with attitude, distinct personalities, and a stronger sense of style than the category had seen at the time.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Malek’s brave and wonderfully lived-in performance is one that will be long remembered, a career high for this Oscar-winning actor who simply inhabits this man with dignity and determination, his days limited but his spirit untouched.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 May 2026
  • But Tusk said Europeans should be under no illusion about Washington’s determination to reduce its military presence on the continent and the need for Europeans to fill the gap.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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