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 All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 1 June 2026 In a dissenting opinion, Judge Justin Walker said judges lack the power to second-guess the decision to exclude transgender troops. Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 This article expresses the opinions of the author and is not to be taken as advice to purchase from or invest in the companies mentioned. Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 No, in these cases, there wasn’t any successful swaying of opinion. Torie Bosch, STAT, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
Noun
  • Instead, Chesnut said, indigenous people linked the figure with the death deities of their own ancient belief systems.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 7 June 2026
  • But unfortunately, Rivers was also a man of his times in the belief that sending the men back to the front when cured was the optimal result.
    The Know, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Whether the Browns made the right decision will ultimately be determined on the field.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
  • Warsh's personnel decisions will be closely scrutinized.
    Matt Peterson, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • The food and drink The open-air terrace restaurant Koh Thai Kitchen serves up sea views alongside what is unquestionably the best breakfast on the island.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • President of Finland Alexander Stubb is seen during a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda (not in view) at the Presidential Palace.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • In an eight-page verdict form, members of the jury broke down their decision.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Five years ago, a similar case generated one of the largest-ever verdicts in a discrimination case involving a single worker — $137 million — but Tesla got the award reduced 98% before reaching a confidential settlement.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • However, bright, clever ideas also might spring up in your mind.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • With this in mind, researchers ran some simulations to explore how all that jostling for position might have affected the moons of Jupiter and Uranus in particular — and the results suggest that these two planets' moons only survived that tumultuous time because of a giant planet that didn't.
    Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The officials spoke for roughly two hours, according to a person familiar with the matter, but no announcement has been made since the meeting’s conclusion earlier today.
    Alayna Treene, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Ultimately, the employee retired before the case's conclusion.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Although service is not quite polished, the happy-go-lucky Dutch-Caribbean staff are refreshingly devoid of attitude.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The show has always affected a devil-may-care attitude, but in previous seasons, less-wearying — not to say light or uplifting — moments came up as a result of the chemistry between the young ensemble.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Frustrated at the lack of evidence and feeling the heat of the gutter press, their determination to hone in on their sole suspect would be laughable if not for the catastrophic consequences.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 3 June 2026
  • Deborah’s determination to perform at Madison Square Garden takes the crew to New York City.
    Alexandra Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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