disbelief

noun

dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf 

: the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

Synonyms of disbelief

• skepticism
• doubt
• incredulity
• suspicion
• unbelief

Examples of disbelief in a Sentence

She stared at him in utter disbelief.

their story explaining their absence was met with frank disbelief

Recent Examples on the Web

The mood that hangs over Tip Toe is two parts anxious dread to one part disbelief that things could really get quite so bad — as represented, with tragic irony, by Leo. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Cornell University’s investigation, of course, did not have to adhere to New York’s arguably archaic criminal standards, but its response, too, has triggered anger and disbelief across airwaves and social media. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026

In the comments, ARMY bonded over their disbelief and excitement that the K-pop star had finally posted. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026

Could this explain why so many of our most reputable creatives are exploring what was once peripheral, spoken of with disbelief, and envisioning it as another possible dimension of existence? — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disbelief

• suspend (one's) disbelief

Rhymes for disbelief

• cloverleaf
• leitmotif
• overleaf
• unbelief
• beef
• brief
• chief
• fief
• grief
• leaf
• lief
• reef

Kids Definition

disbelief

noun

dis·​be·​lief ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf 

: the act or state of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue