BELIEF Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'belief' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of belief are credence , credit , and faith . While all these words mean "assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance," belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer. // my belief that I had caught all the errors

Q: When is 'credence' a more appropriate choice than 'belief'?

While in some cases nearly identical to belief , credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent. // a theory now given credence by scientists

Q: When can 'credit' be used instead of 'belief'?

Although the words credit and belief have much in common, credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof. // gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

Q: In what contexts can 'faith' take the place of 'belief'?

While the synonyms faith and belief are close in meaning, faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof. // an unshakable faith in God

belief

noun

bə-ˈlēf

Definition of belief

as in credit

mental conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon a belief in UFO's led him to relentlessly scan the nighttime skies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in opinion

an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge it's my belief that the sky is blue because our eyes perceive the color blue easily

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fact
truth

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of belief are credence, credit, and faith. While all these words mean "assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance," belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer.

my belief that I had caught all the errors

When is credence a more appropriate choice than belief?

While in some cases nearly identical to belief, credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

When can credit be used instead of belief?

Although the words credit and belief have much in common, credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

In what contexts can faith take the place of belief?

While the synonyms faith and belief are close in meaning, faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

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 belief Whether those perceptions are accurate may matter less than the political damage caused by the belief that authorities are minimizing the scale of the tragedy. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 That’s where Monday found the Nets, between youthful belief and organizational patience. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026 The real story for leaders sits in the gap between ambition and daily use, plus the widening disconnect between executive expectations and employee beliefs. — Gleb Tsipursky, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Beyond the importance of education, he was also motivated by his own beliefs about the role of wealth in society and China’s national development. — Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for belief

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belief

Noun

At the April topping-off ceremony, Lightfoot, who left office in 2023, took credit for the rising casino, perhaps the signature achievement of her administration.

— Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Brunson's ability to demand accountability without conflict, redirect credit, and maintain composure under immense pressure, even during 20-point deficits, exemplified an Aristotelian ideal of balance.

— Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of credit

Noun

Most every weekend, Hurst returns to Kaskaskia, part of an aging congregation whose faith is the only thing that doesn’t remain in danger of washing away.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Both authors wanted to show people of all faiths a way of living that helped sustain Jews through exile and trauma.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of faith

Noun

Silverstone’s long-term contract through 2034 provides additional economic certainty, with the agreement projected to generate more than £1 billion in localised financial value over its lifetime.

— Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
There was no certainty on when the pandemic would end or how the sports world would operate in the months and years afterward.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of certainty

Noun

Durham's criminal history included previous convictions for firearms offenses and kidnapping, records show.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Prior to the trial beginning, the judge agreed that questions about Brown’s felony conviction for his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna would be barred from testimony.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026

Definition of conviction

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belied

belief

beliefs

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“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belief. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of belief

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