unbelief

noun

un·​be·​lief ˌən-bə-ˈlēf How to pronounce unbelief (audio)
: incredulity or skepticism especially in matters of religious faith

Examples of unbelief in a Sentence

living in an age of unbelief a natural-born skeptic, she typically greets the latest conspiracy theory with head-shaking unbelief
Recent Examples on the Web The historical abnormality of modern-day unbelief was a theme of Pope Benedict XVI’s in the years before, during, and after his pontificate. Katherine Howell, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023 It’s been a bit of unbelief. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2021 Consider a subject that sounds parochial but amounts to a civilizational bellwether: the statistics on religious belief and unbelief in the 2021 censuses. David Harsanyi, National Review, 15 Dec. 2022 His Dark Materials is a kind of romance of unbelief. James Parker, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2019 When you have been taught, commanded even, to build your entire life around a community, the cost of unbelief is considerable. Amber Scorah, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Aug. 2019 Decree defeat, humiliation and unbelief to the unbelievers. Adam Nossiter, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2018 But God eventually answered these prayers, and by the power of his spirit their unbelief was shattered and they were brought to Christ. Billy Graham, kansascity.com, 8 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unbelief.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbelief was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near unbelief

Cite this Entry

“Unbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbelief. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unbelief

noun
un·​be·​lief ˌən-bə-ˈlēf How to pronounce unbelief (audio)
: the withholding or absence of belief : doubt
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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