credence

noun

cre·​dence ˈkrē-dᵊn(t)s How to pronounce credence (audio)
1
a
: mental acceptance as true or real
give credence to gossip
b
: credibility sense 1
lends credence to the theory
an idea that is gaining credence
2
: credentials
used in the phrase letters of credence
3
[Middle French, from Old Italian credenza] : a Renaissance sideboard used chiefly for valuable plate
4
: a small table where the bread and wine rest before consecration
Choose the Right Synonym for credence

belief, faith, credence, credit mean assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance.

belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer.

my belief that I had caught all the errors

faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

Examples of credence in a Sentence

The theory is gaining credence among scientists. I'm afraid I don't put much credence in common gossip.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Somehow, the assumptions of this defense attorney have been treated with credence over the word of a veteran assistant state’s attorney dedicated to public service. Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025 Trump’s pick for the FCC, Brendan Carr, has given some credence to Trump gripe’s against over the way that 60 Minutes edited the Harris interview. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025 Wolfe has also stressed that Sasaki will place a high value on a team's pitching development program in making his decisions, lending some credence to McGonicle's prediction. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 One shot in the trailer shows the Switch 2's Joy-Cons being dragged across a surface like a computer mouse, lending credence to rumors of them including an optical sensor. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for credence 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin credentia, from Latin credent-, credens, present participle of credere to believe, trust — more at creed

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of credence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near credence

Cite this Entry

“Credence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credence. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

credence

noun
cre·​dence ˈkrēd-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce credence (audio)
1
: a ready acceptance of something as true or real
give credence to gossip
2
: credibility sense 1
lends credence to the theory

More from Merriam-Webster on credence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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