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 Without an expert’s supporting opinion, which Miller said was a state requirement, his office was unable to continue pursuing a case. — Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 8 Nov. 2026 Honan and Zeche lead Honan Strategy Group, a New York polling and strategy firm that conducts the 5 Borough Barometer, a recurring survey of New York City public opinion. — Bradley Honan, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026 There must also be a true shout out to those in Connecticut, and further, who love to share opinions online and on our oped and letter pages. — Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026 One asks for the respondent’s opinion about the County Commission’s job performance. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • Tschurtschenthaler and Beetz said this was partly in response to a belief the market is becoming increasingly commercial just as the film festivals that have traditionally underpinned their business model chase artistic movies.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Islamophobic baiting scams identified by researchers operate in the overlapping spheres of right-wing politics, cryptocurrency and conspiratorial belief.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Educators see every day how decisions about staffing, resources, and working conditions affect students’ opportunities to learn.
    — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Court records show the church's initial investigation into the boys' report was inconclusive, and Hamilton later said in a debate he was not involved in the decision to allow the volunteer to return.
    — Grace Hills, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The rooms The resort's rooms embody midcentury British-Caribbean elegance, featuring open interiors, marble bathrooms, and private balconies with beach views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Follow a reference, read the longer account, or ask someone how their experience shaped their view.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Baillie sent her support to Brand’s victims following Thursday’s verdict while speaking about the devastating impact the BBC scandal had on her life.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Giuliani was also slapped with a $148-million libel verdict for smearing two election workers in Georgia.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • To that end, here are seven points to keep in mind in order to strength train properly, no matter your age or fitness level.
    — Laura Solla, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
  • That disconnect may help explain why affordability remains one of the most important issues on voters' minds this election season.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • That requires testing whether signals have predictive value, examining them together and avoiding automatic conclusions about individual behaviors.
    — Artem Lalaiants, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Laster also suggested that the company’s financial advisors had data disputing our conclusions.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • All of it is designed to feel like your own personal New England retreat, without the total do-it-yourself attitude of an Airbnb or unnecessary hand-holding of a hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Keeho lands somewhere hopeful, with his mindset shaping the attitude the group carries into BLOW UP, in part thanks to seeing Charli xcx’s Music, Fashion, Film Tour at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum that week.
    — Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • In other words, the letters include enough information for people to make inquiries of their own and decide if the determinations are correct.
    — Sharmila Venkatasubban, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • For Valerto, the experience has reinforced his belief that starting a business doesn't necessarily require extensive experience, just determination and a willingness to learn.
    — Scott Withers, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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