CREDENCE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

credence

noun

ˈkrē-dᵊn(t)s

Definition of credence next

as in confidence

firm belief in the integrity, ability, effectiveness, or genuineness of someone or something I'm afraid I don't put much credence in common gossip

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in belief

mental conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon a foolish theory that, incredibly, once had wide credence among educated people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 credence Whether the justices give it more credence could say a lot about the overall direction of a conservative court that has handed Trump some enormous victories. —

Sam Baker, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025 Psychology also lent credence to a salami-slicing approach. —

Michael Poznansky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Jan. 2025 Perhaps this is to get around Egyptian cinema’s censorious norms, which lends credence to Khalifa’s initially hazy approach to details and relationships, as Ghada prepares to embark on her hajj to Mecca. —

Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 30 Dec. 2024 Advertising from telehealth companies, along with data showing that a sizable portion of men who get testosterone don’t even get their levels checked beforehand, lends credence to their fears. —

Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for credence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for credence

Noun

Los Angeles’ young defense has a ton of confidence after a dominating, record-tying performance against the Vikings.

— Mark Ross, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
The only way is to give some confidence to the players is to win games.

— Sam Pilger, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025