disbelieve

verb

ˌdis-bə-ˈlēv How to pronounce disbelieve (audio)
Definition of disbelievenext
as in to deny
to think not to be true or real many disbelieved the medium's claims that she could communicate with the spirits of the dead

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disbelieve Epstein’s young victims were also threatened and followed; they were grilled by his lawyers and disbelieved by prosecutors, who at times treated them like prostitutes, instead of victims. — Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025 When people can see evidence that obviously contradicts what the administration is saying, they’re primed to disbelieve the officials. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026 When Mom reached Dad on the telephone in the White House pantry to commiserate over the earth-shattering news, Dad’s response was disbelieving. — John Wrory Ficklin, Time, 11 Feb. 2026 The responsibility lies with the referee to stop the game, and there is no reason to disbelieve that Palace would have acted in a sporting manner had Woodman turned out to be seriously injured. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disbelieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disbelieve
  1. deny
  2. discredit
Verb
  • Another was well denied by Major League Soccer goalkeeper Matt Freese.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • Dylan’s tour team denied all press access requests, in keeping with his longstanding refusal to permit media photography.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Definition of deny
Verb
  • Kiryl Pazniak, 49, who hosted a popular political show on YouTube, has been convicted on the charges of discrediting Belarus and forming an extremist organization, the group said — accusations widely used by authorities to stifle critical voices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Green said earlier this year that Adebayo shouldn’t be underestimated and his 83-point game against Washington shouldn’t be discredited.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of discredit

Browse Nearby Words

disbeliefs
disbelieve
disbelieved
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on disbelieve

Nglish: Translation of disbelieve for Spanish Speakers

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