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
The teen is believed to be from the Upper East Side, WABC Eyewitness News reported.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
PwC’s 2023 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey found that 39% of workers believe their job will be obsolete within five years, yet only 26% say their employer is supporting them to acquire new skills.
—Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Detectives believe two other suspects were involved in the shooting.
—Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
The team’s save percentage year over year has improved markedly, but there’s reason to believe (visually) the Oilers are doing a better job in puck retrieval and breakouts.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for believe
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
PwC’s 2023 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey found that 39% of workers believe their job will be obsolete within five years, yet only 26% say their employer is supporting them to acquire new skills.
—Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Detectives believe two other suspects were involved in the shooting.
—Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
The team’s save percentage year over year has improved markedly, but there’s reason to believe (visually) the Oilers are doing a better job in puck retrieval and breakouts.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 May 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 3 Jun. 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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