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

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

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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

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 credence Conway’s prediction quickly gained credence Wednesday afternoon, when Ald. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026 So, the decision to tell her story through the lens of one event in the early ‘80s seeks to simultaneously demythologize her while lending credence to her mythologization in the first place. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026 Hobaiter and Dominy support this idea with half a dozen claims that could, in principle, be tested, lending some scientific credence to the idea that complex human speech was selected for in the warm glow of a crackling campfire. — Mike McRae 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 And the Jeffrey Epstein files, which have exposed the late financier’s private network and financial dealings, have only lent credence to QAnon theories among believers. — Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for credence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for credence

Noun

Unfortunately, South Korea’s situation is becoming more precarious — and thus conflict more likely — as Kim’s confidence grows and resolve weakens in Seoul and Washington.

— Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
The Field Partner Program began as a pilot in 2025 and is scaling with the 2026 crop, helping brands support regenerative agriculture goals with confidence.

— SJ Studio, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

The exhibits that Lincoln chose to organize reflected her belief that art is concerned not just with aesthetics but also with history, culture and politics, her husband said.

— Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Trump’s support has bolstered Putin’s belief that time is on his side.

— Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of belief

Noun

East Aurora coach Nathan Parry trusts Montano in those situations, and that trust was rewarded handsomely Tuesday.

— Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Beyond payment speed, Mastercard is also looking to incorporate blockchain and identity data to establish the same level of trust expected across other payment systems, Driver said.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of trust

Noun

Higher revenue and lower credit losses also supported earnings.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
To their credit, both Aikman and Buck are pros on air and the quality of the ESPN MNF broadcasts since this has become public remains the same, which includes the Cowboys at Eagles on Monday night.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of credit

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crèches

credence

credences

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“Credence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/credence. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of credence

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