Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of credence are belief, credit, and faith. While all these words mean "assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance," credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

When is it sensible to use belief instead of credence?

In some situations, the words belief and credence are roughly equivalent. However, belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer.

my belief that I had caught all the errors

When is credit a more appropriate choice than credence?

The words credit and credence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

Where would faith be a reasonable alternative to credence?

The meanings of faith and credence largely overlap; however, faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

Examples of credence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Moreover, laboratory experiments have managed to create ball lightning-like effects under certain conditions, lending credence to the idea that this phenomenon is real. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024 But people are willing to believe the implausible, or at least lend credence to it. Roxane Gay, The New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2024 That analysis appears to also lend some credence to elementary language teachers all around the world, who for generations have integrated music and songs with learning. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 25 July 2024 Of course there are trolls out there, but a great deal of criticism for this show is well-founded and compelling and certainly the falling viewership numbers lend credence to critocs. Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for credence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'credence.' 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 credence

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on credence

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