Another Word for Believe: 17 Synonyms with Examples
To believe is to accept something as true or to hold an opinion. Alternatives range from firm conviction to a cautious guess.
As a verb: hold as an opinion
As a verb: suppose or assume
- suppose
- assume
- presume
- imagine
- reckon
- suspect
As a verb: accept as true
- accept
- trust
- credit
- be persuaded by
- take at face value
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.
- think
- More casual and less committed than believe.
- be convinced
- Stronger: the belief is firm and well reasoned.
- suppose
- Tentative; a belief without much evidence.
- suspect
- Believes something is likely, often something bad.
- accept
- Agrees that something is true, sometimes reluctantly.
- trust
- Believes a person or source is honest and reliable.
Example sentences
- think: I think the second option is cheaper in the long run.
- be convinced: After the site visit, the board was convinced the project could work.
- suppose: I suppose the train was delayed again.
- suspect: Staff suspected that the figures had been rounded up.
- accept: The committee accepted the explanation and closed the complaint.
- trust: Readers trust the paper because it corrects its mistakes openly.
Opposite of believe
- doubt
- disbelieve
- question
- reject
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “believe”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: conceive
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “believe”?
The most useful alternatives are “think”, “consider”, “feel”, “hold”, “maintain”. For the main sense (hold as an opinion), “think” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “think” and “be convinced”?
think: More casual and less committed than believe. be convinced: Stronger: the belief is firm and well reasoned.
What is the opposite of “believe”?
Common antonyms are “doubt”, “disbelieve”, “question”, “reject”.