Definition of opinionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun opinion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of opinion are belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment, and view. While all these words mean "a judgment one holds as true," opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute.

each expert seemed to have a different opinion

When is it sensible to use belief instead of opinion?

While in some cases nearly identical to opinion, belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.

a firm belief in her party's platform

When can conviction be used instead of opinion?

The meanings of conviction and opinion largely overlap; however, conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.

the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

When might persuasion be a better fit than opinion?

In some situations, the words persuasion and opinion are roughly equivalent. However, persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.

was of the persuasion that everything changes

When is sentiment a more appropriate choice than opinion?

The words sentiment and opinion can be used in similar contexts, but sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.

her feminist sentiments are well-known

In what contexts can view take the place of opinion?

The words view and opinion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, view suggests a subjective opinion.

very assertive in stating his views

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 opinion Greater weight should be given to longitudinal treatment records and the opinions of treating mental health professionals. Jeffrey Freedman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026 Soup Yes, Pancakes No As a culinary expert herself, Kish has predictably strong opinions on food. Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2026 This was a lone wolf, in my opinion. CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 According to court rules, the state Supreme Court has 60 days after a petition is filed to decide whether to review a lower court opinion; the court can extend that decision window for up to 30 days. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opinion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opinion
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
  • While Saudi Arabia and OPEC had no immediate reaction, Emirati Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei insisted his country’s decision did not stem from any dispute with its Gulf neighbor.
    Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • This is basically every aerophobic flier’s worst nightmare, and Harlin does a solid job of maintaining the fear factor and shock right up to the moment of Rich’s decision to dump fuel and ditch, since the nearest airport, Guam, is out of range.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 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
Noun
  • Edwin Franqui was convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, assault in the first degree with a firearm, and criminal possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal 2020 drive-by shooting, and then appealed that verdict to state Supreme Court.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The verdict As if its beautiful beaches and stunning lagoon aren’t enough to lull you into a sense of deep relaxation, Joali Being will stop at nothing to enhance your sense of wellbeing.
    Ann Lee, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Carly loves playing hostess, and designs interiors above all with socializing in mind—the conversation pit is one of her favorite midcentury tropes.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Andrillon warned against trying to harness the sleeping mind in the service of the waking world.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Friday night was supposed to be the conclusion.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
  • In response, members of the prosecution team attempted to provide more context in public interviews, explaining the ATF's conclusions while noting the defendant was innocent until proven guilty, Ballard wrote.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Even so, nuclear is the closest point of convergence between the two parties — a rare area where attitudes are narrowing rather than widening.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • But the team attitude appears to be in a healthy place.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And many of the court’s six conservative justices seemed sympathetic to the Justice Department’s argument that the law bars courts from reviewing those determinations.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The determination means Lane will be the show’s only potential leading performer in this year’s Tony race.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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