conviction
11 synonyms and 1 antonym for conviction, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strong, firmly held belief.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use conviction
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
speak with conviction
a criminal conviction
Etymology
Came into English via late Middle English conviction, from Anglo-Norman conviction, from Latin convictiō, from convictus, the past participle of convincō ("to convict"). It is equivalent to convict + -ion.
Full origin of conviction →Frequently asked questions
What does “conviction” mean?
The word “conviction” means a strong, firmly held belief. In plain terms, either a strongly held belief, or the legal result of being found guilty.
How do you pronounce “conviction”?
“Conviction” is pronounced kuhn-VIHK-shuhn (/kənˈvɪkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “conviction” in a sentence?
Here is “conviction” used in a sentence: “She spoke with real conviction about the need for change.”
What is another word for “conviction”?
Words with a similar meaning to “conviction” include attaintment, condemnation, judgement and proscription.
What is the opposite of “conviction”?
The opposite of “conviction” — its antonyms — is acquittal.
What part of speech is “conviction”?
“Conviction” is a noun.
Is “conviction” a common word?
“Conviction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “conviction” have?
“Conviction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong, firmly held belief.
What is the difference between conviction and belief?
A belief is something you accept as true, while a conviction is a belief held especially firmly and strongly. Calling something a conviction stresses the depth and certainty behind it.
What is the difference between a conviction and a sentence in law?
A conviction is the court's formal declaration that a person is guilty of a crime. The sentence is the punishment, such as a fine or imprisonment, that is decided afterward once someone has been convicted.
What is the difference between a conviction and an acquittal?
A conviction is a formal finding that a person is guilty of a crime, while an acquittal is a decision that clears them, finding them not guilty. The two are opposite outcomes of a criminal case.
