believed; believing
1
a
: to consider to be true or honest
believe the reports
you wouldn't believe how long it took
b
: to accept the word or evidence of
I believe you
couldn't believe my ears
2
: to hold as an opinion : suppose
I believe it will rain soon
1
a
: to accept something as true, genuine, or real
ideals we believe in
believes in ghosts
b
: to have a firm or wholehearted religious conviction or persuasion : to regard the existence of God as a fact
Do you believe?
—usually used with inbelieve in the Scriptures
2
: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something
believe in exercise
3
: to hold an opinion : think
I believe so
believer
noun
Examples of believe in a Sentence
I have watched the many ways that teachers demonstrate pleasure in what students have said or done. I used to believe that teachers needed to present a stoic face for fear of losing control—as if smiling caused bad behavior.
—
Nancy Mack, English Journal, September 2008
Scientists kept a close eye on Mount Saint Helens. The volcano in Washington State spewed steam and ash throughout the month, leading experts to believe that it could erupt at any time.
—Time For Kids, 17 Dec. 2004
They parted as casually as any friends who believe they will meet in a few days. But each knew the other was in deadly peril of his life.
—Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943
The scientists believed the reports.
Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard to believe.
You shouldn't believe everything you read.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.
They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.
She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
Nancy Mack, English Journal, September 2008
Scientists kept a close eye on Mount Saint Helens. The volcano in Washington State spewed steam and ash throughout the month, leading experts to believe that it could erupt at any time.
—Time For Kids, 17 Dec. 2004
They parted as casually as any friends who believe they will meet in a few days. But each knew the other was in deadly peril of his life.
—Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943
The scientists believed the reports.
Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard to believe.
You shouldn't believe everything you read.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.
They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.
She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
Recent Examples on the Web
After Karrion Kross and his real-life wife, Scarlett, parted ways with WWE, fans believe that another couple's new entrance on SmackDown may be a copycat.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Chen is at large, with a net worth somewhere in the tens of billions, analysts believe.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Investigators believe a river rock found near the shattered glass was used to break the window, Enriquez added.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin might find himself at the center of the coaching carousel, as Seth Emerson isn’t the only one who believes Florida needs to go get Kiffin (or Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz).
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for believe
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Chen is at large, with a net worth somewhere in the tens of billions, analysts believe.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Investigators believe a river rock found near the shattered glass was used to break the window, Enriquez added.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin might find himself at the center of the coaching carousel, as Seth Emerson isn’t the only one who believes Florida needs to go get Kiffin (or Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz).
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for believe
Cite this Entry
“Believe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/believe. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
believe
verb
be·lieve
bə-ˈlēv 
believed; believing
1
: to have a firm religious faith
2
: to have faith or confidence in the existence or worth of
believe in ghosts
believe in regular exercise
3
: to accept as true
believe the reports
4
: to accept the word or evidence of
they believed us
I could hardly believe my ears
5
: to hold as an opinion : think
believe it will rain
believable
adjective
-ˈlē-və-bəl
believably
adverb
-blē
believer
noun
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