Search Dictionary
Definition of disbelief

disbelief

/ˌdɪsbɪˈliːf/
dis · be · lief
Adverb:disbelievingly
•
Adjective:disbelieving
JUMP TO:

disbelief Lexical Profile

disbelief Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The inability or refusal to accept that something is true or real; a state of skepticism or mental rejection.

Example

"The committee listened to thewitness's contradictory testimony with growing disbelief."

2

A feeling of shock, amazement, or bewilderment when confronted with something unexpected or extraordinary.

Example

"She stared at the winning lottery ticket in complete disbelief."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for disbelief
Antonyms
View all antonyms for disbelief

Word Nuance & Usage

"Disbelief" and "unbelief" both denote a lack of belief, but "disbelief" typically refers to an active mental rejection of a specific claim or a feeling of astonishment (as in "staring in disbelief"), whereas "unbelief" refers to a passive or general absence of faith, especially in a religious context.

• Rhymes for disbelief

• Nearby Words

disbandment
disbar
disbarment
disbelief
disbelieve
disbeliever
disbelievingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 17th century by combining the privative prefix "dis-" with the noun "belief" (from Old English "geleafa," meaning faith or trust).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Disbelief. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/disbelief
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.