Definition of unbeliefnext
as in disbelief
refusal to accept something as true a natural-born skeptic, she typically greets the latest conspiracy theory with head-shaking unbelief

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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 unbelief My own passage into and back out of unbelief—one marked by a close reading of works that earlier illiberal societies had attempted to suppress on religious grounds—has strengthened my liberal commitments. Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026 But the indirect benefits seem to reflect a posture against green energy, related to unbelief in climate change, and these lead to support for inefficient energy alternatives like nuclear and geothermal and gas-fired turbines. Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 The historical abnormality of modern-day unbelief was a theme of Pope Benedict XVI’s in the years before, during, and after his pontificate. Katherine Howell, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbelief
Noun
  • The disbelief at billowing black smoke from a gash in the Pentagon and collapsing skyscrapers of steel, the dread over what attacks might yet come, the hope that people might be pulled from the rubble alive.
    Ann Gerhart, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Dorothy and Jillian were also in disbelief, but totally engaged.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Lawmakers in both parties agree more guardrails are needed, but even narrow attempts at regulation have fallen apart and a certain skepticism has set in.
    STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Some analysts voiced skepticism about the risk of a societal-scale attack carried out by AI, however, noting that such warnings typically come in the form of vague hypotheticals.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The revelation that the holdout may have had reasonable doubt fueled sharply conflicting reactions.
    Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The defense acknowledged the affair but argued the state had built its case on a theory of motive and would be unable to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbelief. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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