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Definition of credencenext

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 That line of thinking gained credence among more people as COVID highlighted the importance of asking before touching or getting close to someone. Rheana Murray, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025 The setting of the camp, and the snowy weather add immeasurably to the ghostly nature of the story, and is given credence by Derrickson’s own childhood attending these kind of winter camps in Colorado. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025 Team Scott hired a prominent Australian barrister named John Agius, who challenged any testimony that lent credence to the suicide theory. Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 The sombrero memes and Trump 2028 campaign caps certainly lend credence to the idea that the White House is enjoying the fight more than Democratic leaders are. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for credence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for credence
Noun
  • The captain also saw what everyone else did on Saturday, too — Michkov’s confidence seems to be on the rise.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Truly’s confidence and abilities certainly don’t appear to be an issue.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The long hours spent fishing were also good for meditating and reinforced his belief in the destiny marked out for him.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The latter movie musical, directed and co-written by Mona Fastvold, tells the story of the titular founder of the Shakers, who brought her religious beliefs from England to America in the 18th century.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Those vulnerabilities allow predators an opportunity to gain the trust of victims of any age by promising to meet those needs or to provide safety, housing or affection.
    Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But while the recipients' cards had balances available to spend through lines of credit, the Treasury had rejected sending money to cover those purchases to grocers and other businesses that accept such cards, according to an Evers administration official.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • And special credit goes to Payne, who caught two passes for 37 yards and the one TD despite playing with a brace on his right hand.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Park thanked residents across the city for donating and offering help without condition, as well as the volunteers, first responders, workers, faith groups, nonprofits and businesses that stepped in to fill the gaps before government systems could catch up.
    City News Service, Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Still, the district put full faith in its current coaches, promoting from within.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Credence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/credence. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on credence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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