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conviction

noun
con·​vic·​tion | \ kÉ™n-ˈvik-shÉ™n How to pronounce conviction (audio) \

Definition of conviction

1 : the act or process of finding a person guilty of a crime especially in a court of law
2a : a strong persuasion or belief
b : the state of being convinced
3a : the act of convincing a person of error or of compelling the admission of a truth
b : the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about conviction

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Choose the Right Synonym for conviction

certainty, certitude, conviction mean a state of being free from doubt. certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty , while certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof. believes with certitude in an afterlife conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual. holds firm convictions on every issue

opinion, view, belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment mean a judgment one holds as true. opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute. 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

Examples of conviction in a Sentence

… a perfect example, I told Bobby,  … why Realtors have to be prepared to work holidays. "Well, yeah," he said, utterly without conviction. — Jane Smiley, Good Faith, 2003 It was his conviction that if the words in the story were blurred because of the author's insensitivity, carelessness, or sentimentality, then the story suffered from a tremendous handicap. — Raymond Carver, The Story and Its Writer, edited by Ann Charters, 1987 She spoke in … the voice which people often used to express their deepest convictions … — Paula Fox, A Servant's Tale, 1984 Certainly the basis of our democracy is the conviction of the worth of the individual. — Robert Penn Warren, Democracy and Poetry, (1975) 1976 She hopes to avoid conviction. In light of the evidence, a conviction seems certain. He has three prior drunk-driving convictions. Convictions for shoplifting have made it difficult for her to get a job. a person of deep convictions They share my strong conviction that the policy is misguided.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Her attorneys will likely appeal any conviction but if that happens, Richardson will probably be sent to jail while the appeal process plays out. — Keith Bierygolick, Cincinnati.com, "Skylar Richardson: What you need to know as trial starts for former cheerleader charged in buried baby case," 2 Sep. 2019 In July, a Pennsylvania appeals court overturned Mill’s decade-old conviction on a drug and gun case over questions about the arresting officer’s credibility. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Criminal justice reform turns to list of problem officers," 1 Sep. 2019 In 2014, the Oregon Supreme Court upheld McAnulty’s conviction. — oregonlive, "State appeals decision granting new trial to only woman on Oregon’s death row," 31 Aug. 2019 On Friday, the 1st District Court of Appeal in San Francisco overturned that conviction because the judge failed to instruct the jury on one of Garcia-Zarate's defenses. — Samuel Chamberlain, Fox News, "California appeals court overturns sole conviction in Kate Steinle death," 31 Aug. 2019 Murray’s first felony conviction happened for a 2015 robbery on East 13th Street and Chester in downtown Cleveland. — Adam Ferrise, cleveland.com, "Suspected gang member poses for photo with gun, cash in Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson’s driveway, sources say," 30 Aug. 2019 Due to that previous conviction, he was sentenced to life behind bars under the three-strikes provision of Alabama's Habitual Felony Offender Act. — David K. Li, NBC News, "Alabama man spent 36 years behind bars after stealing $50. He is about to go free.," 30 Aug. 2019 O'Connell said people currently facing such cases will not be prosecuted but the policy does not apply to prior convictions. — Joe Sonka, The Courier-Journal, "Which marijuana cases will be prosecuted? We get into the weed on new Louisville policy," 28 Aug. 2019 The titanium sales involve Palie Jr.’s second federal conviction. — Edmund H. Mahony, courant.com, "Two sentenced for selling substandard specialty metal to jet engine subcontractor," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'conviction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of conviction

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for conviction

see convict entry 2

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More Definitions for conviction

conviction

noun
How to pronounce conviction (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of conviction

law : the act of proving that a person is guilty of a crime in a court of law
: a strong belief or opinion
: the feeling of being sure that what you believe or say is true

See the full definition for conviction in the English Language Learners Dictionary

conviction

noun
con·​vic·​tion | \ kÉ™n-ˈvik-shÉ™n How to pronounce conviction (audio) \

Kids Definition of conviction

1 : a strong belief or opinion political convictions
2 : the state of mind of a person who is sure that what he or she believes or says is true She spoke with conviction.
3 : the act of proving or finding guilty : the state of being proven guilty He appealed his conviction.

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