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 Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 In my opinion, bowl games were on life support once the NCAA introduced the 12-team College Football Playoff and NIL deals. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 On Thursday, an opinion column in Maeil Business Newspaper, a prominent South Korean publication, urged the country's government to prepare for the coming slowdown in the artificial intelligence boom. — Amelia Lucas,lisa Kim, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026 The appeals court’s opinion issued Wednesday, which supplemented an opinion filed on July 15, found that Milian blocked prosecutors from exercising their discretion, which includes seeking the death penalty. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • Under relatively stable conditions, those beliefs may remain quiet.
    — Shahrzad Jalali, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The two were discussing that deal and Ellison’s belief in the importance of the movie theater business to the industry.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The show’s creative team was able to concentrate on making the series itself rather than second-guessing every decision to appeal to the international market.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The review describes cognitive and behavioral consequences that can include impairments in working memory, decision making and emotional regulation.
    — Shahrzad Jalali, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Some markets are allowing individuals to express views on economic, political or business outcomes, while others hone in on sports, entertainment and pop culture events.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • For the best views look 40-90 degrees away from the radiant, where the glowing trains left in the wake of the fast-moving meteors will be at their longest.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But Borchetta says the impact of the lawsuits can be bigger than any verdict.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The verdict followed a six-day trial in Placer Superior Court.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Most of these programs did not have physical forms in their original MCU incarnations, but appear in human form within the world inside Vision’s mind.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Normalcy bias means that despite all evidence to the contrary, our mind protects itself.
    — Raj Panjabi, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Business leaders are not the only ones arriving at this conclusion.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • As officials await a conclusion to this case, the victim’s university community is left reeling.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The system provides information about an aircraft’s attitude, heading and position to flight-critical systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The survey does not isolate young men or measure political attitudes.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Lydia obviously provides some support, ballast and encouragement, determination for him.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Any value or meaning your creative work will ever have begins with your determination to actually do it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 20 Oct. 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!