credence
noun
cre·dence
ˈkrē-dᵊn(t)s 
1
a
: mental acceptance as true or real
give credence to gossip
b
: credibility sense 1
lends credence to the theory
an idea that is gaining credence
2
: credentials
—used in the phrase letters of credence
3
[Middle French, from Old Italian credenza]
: a Renaissance sideboard used chiefly for valuable plate
4
: a small table where the bread and wine rest before consecration
Examples of credence in a Sentence
The theory is gaining credence among scientists.
I'm afraid I don't put much credence in common gossip.
Recent Examples on the Web
One shot in the trailer shows the Switch 2's Joy-Cons being dragged across a surface like a computer mouse, lending credence to rumors of them including an optical sensor.
—
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
This appears to lend credence to long-running rumors that the new controller grips would utilize a magnetic connection to hold them in place.
—Matt Kamen, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
One family of fans at the Chiefs’ St. Joseph training camp help lend credence to the idea that the little ‘ol team from Kansas City now belongs to the world.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2025
Leaders' responses to this complexity may not always be ideal; many tend to give undue credence to complex thinking, viewing it as inherently positive rather than striving for simplification (confirmation bias).
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for credence 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
This appears to lend credence to long-running rumors that the new controller grips would utilize a magnetic connection to hold them in place.
—Matt Kamen, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
One family of fans at the Chiefs’ St. Joseph training camp help lend credence to the idea that the little ‘ol team from Kansas City now belongs to the world.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2025
Leaders' responses to this complexity may not always be ideal; many tend to give undue credence to complex thinking, viewing it as inherently positive rather than striving for simplification (confirmation bias).
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for credence
Dictionary Entries Near credence
Cite this Entry
“Credence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credence. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
credence
noun
cre·dence
ˈkrēd-ᵊn(t)s
1
: a ready acceptance of something as true or real
give credence to gossip
2
: credibility sense 1
lends credence to the theory
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share