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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 One shot in the trailer shows the Switch 2's Joy-Cons being dragged across a surface like a computer mouse, lending credence to rumors of them including an optical sensor. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 This appears to lend credence to long-running rumors that the new controller grips would utilize a magnetic connection to hold them in place. —

Matt Kamen, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025 One family of fans at the Chiefs’ St. Joseph training camp help lend credence to the idea that the little ‘ol team from Kansas City now belongs to the world. —

Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2025 Leaders' responses to this complexity may not always be ideal; many tend to give undue credence to complex thinking, viewing it as inherently positive rather than striving for simplification (confirmation bias). —

Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for credence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for credence

Noun

With that confidence, Ortega (35-3) is creating a masterpiece this season.

— Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Read more Businesses How to Succeed at M&A When Most Mergers Fail New Book Tackles the Myth of Declining Morality and How to Handle Conflict 5) Bad Performance Management: Gallup pointed out that leaders and employees alike are severely lacking confidence in their performance management systems.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025