conviction

noun

kən-ˈvik-shən How to pronounce conviction (audio)
Definition of convictionnext
1
as in certainty
a state of mind in which one is free from doubt spoke with conviction about her political beliefs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in belief
an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge held deep convictions about life after death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 After his conviction, Murdaugh's legal team filed an appeal, accusing Hill, the former Colleton County Clerk of Court, of improperly influencing the jurors who convicted him. —Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 According to a State Attorney’s Office spokesperson, there have been as few as two convictions in Florida of police officers who fired their weapons in the line of duty in the last two to three decades. —Ella Moore, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 Juan Manuel Castorena’s original first-degree murder conviction and life sentence were overturned in 2025 by the Colorado Court of Appeals, which ordered that the case be retried. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 19 May 2026 Jeff Titus was released in 2023, and his murder convictions were erased at the request of prosecutors. —CBS News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for conviction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conviction
  1. certainty
  2. belief
  3. assurance
  4. opinion
  5. confidence
  6. mind
  7. satisfaction
  8. view
Noun
  • But in business, certainty rarely comes.
    — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Still, this may be an election where some of the certainties of the two-party system are rewritten.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Definition of certainty
Noun
  • She surely was also exposed to Madame Charlotte Mentelle’s feminist beliefs and abolitionist leanings.
    — Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • But the Dodgers front office didn’t entertain the notion of bumping him, instead doubling down on their belief that the best thing for Sasaki’s long-term development was continuing to face big-league hitters.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Definition of belief
Noun
  • But despite assurances that the impact on businesses has been minimized, some groups still worried that the AI bill — despite its sections on workforce development and increasing AI knowledge — will ultimately create new burdens for businesses that could hamper innovation efforts.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • The image was used only after receiving explicit assurance from the content partner that permission had been secured, including for the retail boxes.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 16 May 2026
Definition of assurance
Noun
  • Regardless of the ultimate outcome, neither tech magnate is likely to win in the court of public opinion, said University of California at Berkeley Law School professor Stavros Gadinis.
    — Ashley Capoot,Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • In that same light, McIlroy, Lowry, or any other player is absolutely entitled to share their opinions of a setup, and outside of an egregious statement, shouldn't take flak.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
Definition of opinion
Noun
  • Although Detroit collapsed in the second round, the front office’s confidence in Bickerstaff, who signed a contract extension the day after the Pistons ousted the Orlando Magic in the first round, hasn’t wavered.
    — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Ahead, pro hairstylists advise on how to transition out of a relaxer while minimizing breakage and maintaining confidence in your hair.
    — Janell M. Hickman-Kirby, Allure, 18 May 2026
Definition of confidence
Noun
  • Instead, the seductive peacefulness of the house brought to her mind the contemplative sets in the BBC adaptation of Wolf Hall.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Keep in mind that the Nomadix is essentially only an off-road e-moto, as it is not yet homologated for street riding.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 May 2026
Definition of mind
Noun
  • Within months, customer satisfaction had fallen sharply and service quality had grown inconsistent.
    — Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • Seeing clients reorient themselves from uncertain to unstoppable is one of the most rewarding parts of her work, and this satisfaction continues to guide her momentum.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Definition of satisfaction
Noun
  • That would, in their view, allow for more teams to reach the field based on strength of schedule instead of conference affiliation.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • Bates also expressed concern that, under the Administration’s view of the case, its determination that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional cannot be challenged in court.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Definition of view

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convicting
conviction
convictions
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Cite this Entry

“Conviction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conviction. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of conviction for Spanish Speakers

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