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Definition of credence

credence

/ˈkriːdəns/
cre · dence
Plural:credences
•
Adjective:credent
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credence Lexical Profile

credence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Belief in or acceptance of something as true.

Example

"New archaeological discoveries lend credence to the historian's controversial theory."

2

A small side table, shelf, or recess in a church sanctuary used to hold the elements of the Eucharist before consecration.

Example

"The acolyte placed the bread and wine upon the credence near the altar."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for credence

Word Nuance & Usage

Most commonly used in fixed expressions such as 'give credence to' or 'lend credence to', where it is followed by the preposition 'to'.

• Rhymes for credence

• Nearby Words

creature
creche
cred
credence
credential
credentialed
credentialing

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English credence, borrowed from Old French credence, from Medieval Latin credentia ('belief, trust'), derived from Latin credere ('to believe, trust').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Credence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/credence
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