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

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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

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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 Most of the time after practice, players involved downplay the incident or don’t give it much credence. — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Trump may have inadvertently lent credence to that case this week. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 28 July 2026 But signs of El Niño are starting to show up in other global-scale atmospheric wind and weather patterns, including the Walker Circulation, according to Lowry, which lends more credence to the idea that El Niño has its finger on the scales. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 Any allegation against the Jewish state, no matter how outlandish, is immediately given credence. — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for credence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for credence

Noun

In the spring, Newcastle would have listened to offers for Yoane Wissa, whose £55m signing from Brentford had proved calamitous, yet the DR Congo forward returned from the World Cup full of confidence and has begun the campaign well.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
That confidence is reflected in the scale of One Beverly Hills.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Just as a market will theoretically arrive at the optimal price for a good that reflects the interests of many agents, trading in predictions could distill research, observation, and belief into actionable odds.

— Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
It's rooted in our belief that, regardless of where Corning shares are coming from, regaining upside momentum will be extremely difficult in the near-term.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of belief

Noun

But Blanche played down concerns that the erosion of judicial trust could impede his efforts to advance his agenda.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
When government applies the rules consistently, businesses have the confidence to invest, innovation is encouraged, public institutions earn greater trust and the public benefits.

— Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of trust

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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 5 Sep. 2026.

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