Another Word for Belief: 17 Synonyms with Examples
A belief is something you accept as true, or trust and confidence in someone or something. Swap it to show how firm the belief is, or whether it is religious, political or personal.
As a noun: something accepted as true
As a noun: trust or confidence
- faith
- trust
- confidence
- reliance
- certainty
As a noun: religious or political ideas
- faith
- creed
- doctrine
- ideology
- values
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- conviction
- A firmly held belief.
- principle
- A belief about right and wrong that guides behaviour.
- assumption
- A belief taken for granted without proof.
- faith
- Trust that does not rely on proof; also religious belief.
- creed
- A formal set of religious or guiding beliefs.
- ideology
- A system of political or economic beliefs.
Example sentences
- conviction: She spoke with real conviction about the need for change.
- principle: He refused the offer on principle.
- assumption: The plan rests on the assumption that prices will fall.
- faith: I have complete faith in the new manager.
- creed: The school welcomes pupils of every creed.
- ideology: The two parties have very different ideologies.
Opposite of belief
- disbelief
- doubt
- scepticism
- unbelief
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “belief”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: impression, feeling
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “belief”?
The most useful alternatives are “view”, “opinion”, “conviction”, “principle”, “idea”. For the main sense (something accepted as true), “view” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “conviction” and “principle”?
conviction: A firmly held belief. principle: A belief about right and wrong that guides behaviour.
What is the opposite of “belief”?
Common antonyms are “disbelief”, “doubt”, “scepticism”, “unbelief”.