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 of belief in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To investigators at the scene of Polly Klaas’ abduction in early October 1993, the story strained belief. Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 Many of these beliefs can be traced to Germany’s past, where the western (and far more densely populated) parts of the country embraced a male-breadwinner model, with strong cultural ideas that wives should stay home with children while their husbands worked. Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 30 Oct. 2024 During the same period of time, church attendance (all religious beliefs) in America decreased dramatically. Curtis Varnell The Timepiece, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024 For example, the student who talked about her summer work experience challenged her idea of stereotypes and revealed aspects of her beliefs and work ethic. Kristen Moon, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for belief 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'belief.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near belief

Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on belief

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