opinion

noun

ə-ˈpin-yən How to pronounce opinion (audio)
Definition of opinionnext
1
as in belief
an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge a number of voters expressed the opinion that all politicians, regardless of party affiliation, are corrupt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decision
a position arrived at after consideration after reviewing the evidence, the athletic board came to the opinion that the team be disqualified for recruiting violations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun opinion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of opinion are belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment, and view. While all these words mean "a judgment one holds as true," opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute.

each expert seemed to have a different opinion

When is it sensible to use belief instead of opinion?

While in some cases nearly identical to opinion, belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.

a firm belief in her party's platform

When can conviction be used instead of opinion?

The meanings of conviction and opinion largely overlap; however, conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.

the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

When might persuasion be a better fit than opinion?

In some situations, the words persuasion and opinion are roughly equivalent. However, persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.

was of the persuasion that everything changes

When is sentiment a more appropriate choice than opinion?

The words sentiment and opinion can be used in similar contexts, but sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.

her feminist sentiments are well-known

In what contexts can view take the place of opinion?

The words view and opinion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, view suggests a subjective opinion.

very assertive in stating his views

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 opinion The most reliable way to implement AI strategies in your work, in my opinion, is not to grow hyperfocused on the newest models. — Eugenia Mykuliak, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of funders. — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Among Jewish respondents, opinion was evenly divided, with 45% supporting and 45% opposing overseas voting. — Natasha Mozgovaya, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 To know noodle kugel is to have an opinion about noodle kugel. — Sarah Jampel, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
  1. belief
  2. decision
  3. view
  4. verdict
  5. mind
  6. conclusion
  7. attitude
  8. determination
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
  • Kroenke’s decision to purchase the Angels at a record $4 billion valuation has not impacted Trout’s plans to remain in Southern California.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The games present overly simplified worlds devoid of civilians, children, and animals, and there are no lasting consequences for players’ decisions.
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of decision
Noun
  • And although, as a survey-style telescope, Roman boasts a wider, faster view of the sky than either Hubble or JWST, McEnery emphasized that doesn’t make these more focused missions obsolete.
    — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards A key feature of the turn into September, which begins a year's third and final act, is that analysts and investors start to calibrate their views of next year.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of view
Noun
  • Shortly after hearing the verdict, Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa, embraced a man seated behind her and wiped her eyes with a tissue, according to a live feed of the proceeding from The Associated Press.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Rahmani says if the jury still can’t reach a verdict, Sullivan will have no choice but to declare a mistrial.
    — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of verdict
Noun
  • Specs AccordionItemContainerButton Minimalist and cozy are two words that come to mind when describing the Zixuan daybed, which has a clean silhouette but doesn’t feel sterile thanks to its plump pillows.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Another novel where the author explores how to cultivate the mind, body, home, and social circle in order to propagate creativity, and wonders what happens when any or all elements become fallow or diseased.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of mind
Noun
  • Despite the lack of outward signs in Ocean Springs, Nolan’s death has come to mean different things to different people and a lack of answers from authorities has left residents drawing their own conclusions about the circumstances of his death.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Trump faces mounting pressure to address high gas prices as the war in Iran on Friday reached a six-month milestone with no conclusion in sight.
    — Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of conclusion
Noun
  • It’s long ceased to be a neighborhood that puts on airs, an attitude that liberates us all tonight.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The lax attitude about their home base is just part of the gig.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of attitude
Noun
  • The conference said its rule would apply independently of the status of NCAA eligibility determinations.
    — Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In his ruling Gayles rejected the government’s argument that Vorbe could be held in mandatory detention without a bond hearing simply because of Rubio’s determination in a letter.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of determination

Browse Nearby Words

opining
opinion
opinionated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opinion. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on opinion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about opinion

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