Definition of credence
- give credence to gossip
- lends credence to the theory
- an idea that is gaining credence
The theory is gaining credence among scientists.
I'm afraid I don't put much credence in common gossip.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'credence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Credence is close in meaning to belief, but there are differences. Unlike belief, credence is seldom used in connection with faith in a religion or philosophy. Instead credence is often used in reference to reports, rumors, and opinions. And, unlike belief, it tends to be used with the words give, lack, lend,and gain. So a new piece of evidence may lend credence to the alibi of a criminal suspect. Claims that a political candidate can become the next President gain credence only after the candidate wins a few primaries. And although stories about Elvis sightings persist, they lack credence for most people.
: belief that something is true
: the quality of being believed or accepted as something true or real
What made you want to look up credence? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).