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 Neither, though, would lend the stories credence, even when quizzed by team-mates and club staff. —

Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 31 July 2024 The July 13 assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump is now following a similar pattern as prominent figures give airtime and credence to any number of wild theories. —

Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 25 July 2024 Mick's prior reports lent credence to the report on Soto for some. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024 The existence of a ransom note seemed to lend credence to the theory that an intruder was responsible for JonBenét’s murder (even though some investigators believed the note was fake). —

Liam Quinn, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for credence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for credence

Noun

This year, the Duchess seems to have approached dressing for all of the various facets of her life with fresh confidence.

Kerry McDermott, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
Jim has expressed confidence in Broadcom’s custom AI chip business, which is poised for significant growth in the years ahead.

Paulina Likos, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024