Definition of convictionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conviction differ from other similar words?

The words certainty and certitude are common synonyms of conviction. While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

How do certainty and certitude relate to one another, in the sense of conviction?

Both certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof.

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

When can certitude be used instead of conviction?

While in some cases nearly identical to conviction, certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

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 conviction You are not imprisoned for the conviction of a felony. Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Reached by phone, a spokesperson for the Eastern District of New York declined to comment on whether this was expected to be the final conviction in the case. Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026 The convictions followed an 11-day trial in which prosecutors presented testimony from multiple victims, the outlet reported. Sean Mandell, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026 The presiding judge said Uzbek authorities had indicated that Karimova, 53, would not be released until after her full sentence is completed in December 2028 on convictions in Uzbekistan including embezzlement. ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conviction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conviction
Noun
  • As exemplified through his company’s latest venture, Morton believes predictive intelligence will increasingly define competitive advantage, allowing agents to act with greater certainty and timing.
    William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Seeking certainty Traditionally, engineers have dealt with singularities through software fixes.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Over the years, one of these pass catchers tends to inspire some belief over the summer.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Early cultures, including Native American tribes, looked to the heavens for time keeping, spiritual beliefs and navigation.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jakob Larsen, the head of maritime security for BIMCO, the largest international association representing shipowners, said in a note Thursday that most shipping companies need a stable ceasefire and assurances from both sides of the conflict that the strait is safe for transit.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Authorities allege that Bang gave early shareholders false assurances in 2019 that a stock market debut was not on the horizon, inducing them to sell their stakes to a private equity vehicle connected to his associates.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Sun’s five-member editorial board consists of Jensen, publisher Trif Alatzas, opinion editor Philip Caldwell, and columnists Torrey Snow and Julian Baron.
    Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The opinions expressed in this story are his and not those of ABC News.
    Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The speed with which some fan confidence in him has eroded was, nevertheless, unprecedented considering no Liverpool manager (or in Slot’s case, head coach) has delivered the league title at the end of their first season since Kenny Dalglish in 1985-86.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Money, confidence or themes surrounding you are under the microscope today, asking you to stop settling for less.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This white chocolate bar is creamy and ultra-sweet, and the great minds at TJ’s were smart to distract from the one-note flavor with crunchy little cookie crumbles.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
  • By evening, disruptive Uranus enters your 9th House of Higher Learning and Beliefs, opening your mind to new perspectives, ideas, and possibilities.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But for me, the satisfaction was being a member of that ’85 team.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The network discontinued its long-standing school report cards, which had provided leaders with an objective measure of their schools’ quality, including not only student outcomes but also staff and student satisfaction.
    Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Look closer, and a more sophisticated fear comes into view — one that the productivity data doesn’t address at all.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • But, while Warsh may favor lower rates, there currently isn’t a convincing economic argument for easier monetary policy anytime soon — a view that three key Fed voters telegraphed at this meeting.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conviction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conviction. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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