1
: a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
her belief in God
a belief in democracy
I bought the table in the belief that it was an antique.
contrary to popular belief
2
: something that is accepted, considered to be true, or held as an opinion : something believed
an individual's religious or political beliefs
3
: conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence
belief in the validity of scientific statements
Examples of belief in a Sentence
There is growing belief that these policies will not succeed.
He gets angry if anyone challenges his religious beliefs.
We challenged his beliefs about religion.
Recent Examples on the Web
When Anna, who believes Malby cured her anorexia, invites Mathu to meet him, Mathu confronts his strained relationship with his father and the divide between their beliefs: science versus magic.
—
Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025
Some Medicaid recipients could get health insurance elsewhere Several conservative Medicaid experts shared the belief that some people on Medicaid could afford private insurance.
—Ryan Levi, NPR, 10 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, other sources have pointed to the belief that Johnson’s background in progressive organizing repels him from anything that looks like kowtowing.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
All those cliches about teamwork and belief and optimism?
—Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for belief 
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Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025
Some Medicaid recipients could get health insurance elsewhere Several conservative Medicaid experts shared the belief that some people on Medicaid could afford private insurance.
—Ryan Levi, NPR, 10 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, other sources have pointed to the belief that Johnson’s background in progressive organizing repels him from anything that looks like kowtowing.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
All those cliches about teamwork and belief and optimism?
—Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for belief
Dictionary Entries Near belief
Cite this Entry
“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belief. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
belief
noun
be·lief
bə-ˈlēf 
1
: a feeling sure that someone or something exists or is true or trustworthy
a belief in Santa Claus
a belief in democracy
2
: something that one thinks is true
political beliefs
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