Definition of disbeliefnext
as in skepticism
refusal to accept something as true their story explaining their absence was met with frank disbelief

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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 disbelief Swift’s fans and staff who work at and near the Garden have expressed disbelief that Swift would really get married there, even as a trail of clues pointing to a blockbuster wedding at the arena have slowly accumulated. Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 When his attempt to force a second playoff hole rolled just left, the hundreds who gathered around the green were stunned, letting out a collective groan of disbelief. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026 The New York and Washington Democratic political class was in stunned disbelief last week, scrambling to interpret Tuesday’s primary results, and the unprecedented electoral successes of the Democratic Socialists at the ballot box. Bradley Honan, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026 Peering up at a row of banners boasting a familiar name and likeness, Kemba Walker is nearly in disbelief. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disbelief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disbelief
Noun
  • Humans are hardwired to resist change, so implementing new technologies is often met with skepticism or pushback.
    Bill Pappas, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • For decades, African football has faced criticism and skepticism, often based on unfounded racial stereotypes.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie looked like Serie A regulars, Folarin Balogun’s finishing was on song and Gio Reyna put to rest any doubts about his selection by channelling his inner Luka Modric.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • As tech stocks waver on doubts the AI boom will prove sustainable, India is emerging as a safe haven for global investors looking to hedge their bets and weather the volatility, Bloomberg wrote.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • James extended both arms in incredulity during the pre-overtime break.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Hoffman’s mother, when Scheiber later speaks to her, is well acquainted with this flavor of incredulity.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • In a recent interview with Don Lemon, Crump said that officials have yet to inform the family about any suspicions of foul play.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 July 2026
  • Northwestern University computer scientists put those suspicions to the test.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • My own passage into and back out of unbelief—one marked by a close reading of works that earlier illiberal societies had attempted to suppress on religious grounds—has strengthened my liberal commitments.
    Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • But the indirect benefits seem to reflect a posture against green energy, related to unbelief in climate change, and these lead to support for inefficient energy alternatives like nuclear and geothermal and gas-fired turbines.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

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“Disbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disbelief. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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