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
But throughout his five-decade career in public office, Biden has set his personal beliefs aside and supported the right to choose to end a pregnancy.
—
David Jackson, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
Jenner has previously been vocal about her belief that Simpson was responsible for the June 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and waiter Ron Goldman.
—Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
The authenticity of his casting, including his unwavering belief in newcomers, is flawless here, with Mari’s portrait of resilience sharing the frame wonderfully with Turner’s bearish, wounded air.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Despite his acquittal in the criminal trial, many still believed Simpson was guilty, a belief bolstered by a jury ordering him to pay $33 million to Goldman's family in the civil case — damages that were never paid in full.
—Doha Madani, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024
The strange belief largely was attributed to Geyser's early-onset schizophrenia, a psychosis for which she was diagnosed shortly after they were taken into custody.
—Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2024
Fear based on their belief that cancer is incurable, the false but still common belief that cancer always kills.
—David Ropeik, STAT, 10 Apr. 2024
This occurs, in part, because of miseducation and the stubborn prevalence of these misguided beliefs.
—Dr. Sharon Malone, TIME, 9 Apr. 2024
Recite some intentional mantras to bolster your belief in yourself.
—Essence Lifestyle, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024
David Jackson, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
Jenner has previously been vocal about her belief that Simpson was responsible for the June 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and waiter Ron Goldman.
—Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
The authenticity of his casting, including his unwavering belief in newcomers, is flawless here, with Mari’s portrait of resilience sharing the frame wonderfully with Turner’s bearish, wounded air.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Despite his acquittal in the criminal trial, many still believed Simpson was guilty, a belief bolstered by a jury ordering him to pay $33 million to Goldman's family in the civil case — damages that were never paid in full.
—Doha Madani, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024
The strange belief largely was attributed to Geyser's early-onset schizophrenia, a psychosis for which she was diagnosed shortly after they were taken into custody.
—Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2024
Fear based on their belief that cancer is incurable, the false but still common belief that cancer always kills.
—David Ropeik, STAT, 10 Apr. 2024
This occurs, in part, because of miseducation and the stubborn prevalence of these misguided beliefs.
—Dr. Sharon Malone, TIME, 9 Apr. 2024
Recite some intentional mantras to bolster your belief in yourself.
—Essence Lifestyle, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'belief.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near belief
Cite this Entry
“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belief. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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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