CONVICTION Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'conviction' differ from other similar words?

The words certainty and certitude are common synonyms of conviction . While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual. // holds firm convictions on every issue

Q: How do 'certainty' and 'certitude' relate to one another, in the sense of 'conviction'?

Both certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof. // claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

Q: When can 'certitude' be used instead of 'conviction'?

While in some cases nearly identical to conviction , certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof. // believes with certitude in an afterlife

conviction

noun

kən-ˈvik-shən

Definition of conviction next

as in certainty

a state of mind in which one is free from doubt spoke with conviction about her political beliefs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in belief

an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge held deep convictions about life after death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fact
truth

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conviction differ from other similar words?

The words certainty and certitude are common synonyms of conviction. While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

How do certainty and certitude relate to one another, in the sense of conviction?

Both certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof.

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

When can certitude be used instead of conviction?

While in some cases nearly identical to conviction, certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

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 conviction His prior conviction was not listed in court documents. —

Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025 Club members know: Discipline always trumps conviction. —

Jim Cramer, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025 His team brought gun and tax charges against Hunter Biden, resulting in felony convictions that were later wiped away following the president's pardon. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 In the sweeping report, Smith argued that his office had the evidence to secure a conviction against the former president if the election case had ever gone to trial. —

Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for conviction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conviction

Noun

The lack of transparency associated with the Maldivian government—today’s and those of the recent past—is mirrored by the lack of certainty around the islands’ early history, as Hassan Ahmed Maniku explains in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society Sri Lanka Branch.

— Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 17 Jan. 2025
His squads in October and November had considerable overlap, with several mainstays looking like World Cup certainties, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun and Antonee Robinson.

— Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025