believable

1 of 2

adjective

be·​liev·​able bə-ˈlē-və-bəl How to pronounce believable (audio)
Synonyms of believablenext
: capable of being believed especially as within the range of known possibility or probability
believability
bə-ˌlē-və-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce believable (audio)
noun
believably
bə-ˈlē-və-blē How to pronounce believable (audio)
adverb

believability

2 of 2

noun

be·​liev·​abil·​i·​ty bə-ˌlē-və-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce believability (audio)
bē-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being believable
advertising exists basically on a foundation of believability—C. B. Larrabee

Synonyms of believable

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Adjective

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Examples of believable in a Sentence

Adjective she had a believable excuse for missing the deadline
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Scammers can use it to make their tricks feel more believable. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 And yet, Forest makes the whole thing feel so believable. — Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 19 June 2026 The shocking reality was scarcely believable at the time and its impact is still felt by those who were closest to him. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 Making that fantasy feel believable required far more than putting Lestat in leather and handing him a microphone. — Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for believable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of believable was in the 14th century

Rhymes for believable

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Browse Nearby Words

believability
believable
believably
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Cite this Entry

“Believable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/believable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on believable

Nglish: Translation of believable for Spanish Speakers

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