BELIEF Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'belief' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of belief are credence , credit , and faith . While all these words mean "assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance," belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer. // my belief that I had caught all the errors

Q: When is 'credence' a more appropriate choice than 'belief'?

While in some cases nearly identical to belief , credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent. // a theory now given credence by scientists

Q: When can 'credit' be used instead of 'belief'?

Although the words credit and belief have much in common, credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof. // gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

Q: In what contexts can 'faith' take the place of 'belief'?

While the synonyms faith and belief are close in meaning, faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof. // an unshakable faith in God

belief

noun

bə-ˈlēf

Definition of belief next

as in credit

mental conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon a belief in UFO's led him to relentlessly scan the nighttime skies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in opinion

an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge it's my belief that the sky is blue because our eyes perceive the color blue easily

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fact
truth

Synonym Chooser

How is the word belief different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of belief are credence, credit, and faith. While all these words mean "assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance," belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer.

my belief that I had caught all the errors

When is credence a more appropriate choice than belief?

While in some cases nearly identical to belief, credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

When can credit be used instead of belief?

Although the words credit and belief have much in common, credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

In what contexts can faith take the place of belief?

While the synonyms faith and belief are close in meaning, faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

Examples 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 belief Those intrepid few who still clung to the belief that American perfidy shielded Duke’s players from true justice just had the rug pulled out from under them by Mangum herself. —

The Editors, National Review, 17 Dec. 2024 The belief is that pasteurization destroys some of the vitamins and minerals naturally found in milk. —

Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024 Downtown was established with the belief that artists and entrepreneurs everywhere and at every stage are entitled to the same tools and opportunities to succeed. —

Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024 Miracle on 34th Street is a classic for a reason, and despite its gooey warmth, the film’s handling of human belief and behavior still rings true nearly 80 years later. —

Sezín Devi Koehler, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for belief

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief

Noun

And there has been no allegation that the credits Long claimed for his clients were inappropriate.

Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
One estimate has found that increasing the credit to $5,000 per child would cost between $106 billion and $241 billion in 2025.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024