disbelief

noun

dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf How to pronounce disbelief (audio)
Synonyms of disbeliefnext
: the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

Synonyms of disbelief

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Examples of disbelief in a Sentence

She stared at him in utter disbelief. their story explaining their absence was met with frank disbelief
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.
If only the film had lingered longer on Vasarhelyi’s totally rational horror and disbelief. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 The tourists mutter in disbelief before the driver of the bus heads down the street to the next haunted stop. — Sonjirose Chin, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026 When Serpa announced her pregnancy, the disbelief was immediate and all caught on camera. — Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The powerhouse formula clearly does its job, as one 55-year-old shopper was left in disbelief at how effective the Olay cream was. — Claudia Fisher, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disbelief

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disbelief was in 1639

Phrases Containing disbelief

Rhymes for disbelief

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Browse Nearby Words

disbarment
disbelief
disbelieve
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Cite this Entry

“Disbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disbelief. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disbelief

noun
dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf How to pronounce disbelief (audio)
: the act or state of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue
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