1
a
: a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter
We asked them for their opinions about the new stadium.
2
a
: belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge
a person of rigid opinions
b
: a generally held view
news programs that shape public opinion
3
a
: a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert
My doctor says that I need an operation, but I'm going to get a second opinion.
b
: the formal expression (as by a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is based
The article discusses the recent Supreme Court opinion.
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for opinion
each expert seemed to have a different opinion
view suggests a subjective opinion.
very assertive in stating his views
belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.
a firm belief in her party's platform
conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.
the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human
persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.
was of the persuasion that everything changes
sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.
her feminist sentiments are well-known
Example Sentences
We asked for their opinions about the new stadium. In my opinion, it's the best car on the market. The article discusses two recent Supreme Court opinions.
Recent Examples on the Web The uniform is something that, in my opinion, was already dead before the pandemic. Aleks Cvetkovic, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2022 Little is expected of the Gators this year – too little, in my opinion. USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2022 But, in my opinion, the market is going to remain strong for the foreseeable future. Megan Leonhardt, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2022 But in my opinion as a German American and a linguist, this one turns out to be nearly true. Kai Von Fintel, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Aug. 2022 In my opinion, the Google Pixel 6a is a better buy. Christian De Looper, BGR, 29 Aug. 2022 Lee questioned that position during the oral arguments and in his opinion. Kevin Rectorstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2022 War, in my opinion, is the worst enemy of nuclear safety. Najmedin Meshkati, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2022 The worst, most pleasure-annihilating keyboard of all time (in my opinion) is the iPad’s virtual one, which has less in common with a real keyboard than with the control panel on a microwave oven. David Owen, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2022 See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'opinion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English opinioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French opinion, borrowed from Latin opīniōn-, opīniō "what or how one thinks about something, expectation, estimation, reputation," from opīn-, base of opīnārī "to hold as an opinion, think, have in mind" (of obscure origin) + -iōn-, -iō, suffix of verbal action
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of opinion was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near opinion
Cite this Entry
“Opinion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, //www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opinion. Accessed 19 Sep. 2022.
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Last Updated: 8 Sep 2022
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