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opinion

noun
opin·​ion | \ ə-ˈpin-yən How to pronounce opinion (audio) \

Definition of opinion

1a : a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter We asked them for their opinions about the new stadium.
b : approval, esteem I have no great opinion of his work.
2a : 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
3a : 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.
Other Words from opinion Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about opinion

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Other Words from opinion

opinioned \ ə-​ˈpin-​yənd How to pronounce opinioned (audio) \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for opinion

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

opinion and belief mean a judgment that someone thinks is true. opinion is used when the judgment is not yet final or certain but is founded on some facts. I soon changed my opinion of the plan. belief is used if the judgment is certain and firm in a person's own mind without regard to the amount or kind of evidence. It's my belief we'll win the election.

Examples of opinion in a Sentence

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Several of Slatten's supporters openly accused prosecutors of scapegoating an innocent man in order to placate Iraqi public opinion. — NBC News, "Former Blackwater security contractor sentenced to life in Iraq shootings," 14 Aug. 2019 The appeals, which included apologies to the police force, come as the struggle over public opinion reaches a climax. — Washington Post, "Hong Kong protest movement faces tipping point in battle for hearts and minds," 14 Aug. 2019 And while playing — er themselves, the show is also playing off of gossip and public opinion that already exists around the actors involved. — Blake Bakkila, Good Housekeeping, "'BH90210' Star Jennie Garth Speaks Out After the Reboot Premiere Receives Backlash," 14 Aug. 2019 Frank de Boer, the Dutch manager of the Major League Soccer team Atlanta United, doesn’t seem to share their opinion, however. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, "MLS Manager Says He Supports Women Players After Calling Equal Pay in Soccer 'Ridiculous'," 14 Aug. 2019 Legal challenges, proposed federal legislation, scandals and athlete activism are shifting public opinion toward the belief that colleges are getting rich exploiting their players, especially in football and basketball. — Fortune, "NCAA Does Not Need to Pay Athletes, Court Rules," 12 Aug. 2019 Sung said the changes are expected to enter effect sometime in September, following a 20-day period for gathering public opinion on the issue and further regulatory and legislative reviews. — Fox News, "South Korea to remove Japan from preferred trade list in sign of growing tension," 12 Aug. 2019 Bayside, after briefly battling to turn public opinion to its side, sold the land and marina back to the city. — David Tarrant, Dallas News, "Surf’s up: Wave pool, Crystal Lagoon among plans unveiled at town hall for new $1B Rowlett development," 9 Aug. 2019 Share your opinions with the reporter at Priscilla.Totiya@azcentral.com or 602-444-8092. — Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, azcentral, "Guy Fieri returns to Matt's Big Breakfast on 'Triple D Nation.' Here's how to watch," 9 Aug. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of opinion

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for opinion

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin opinion-, opinio, from opinari

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More Definitions for opinion

opinion

noun
How to pronounce opinion (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of opinion

: a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something : what someone thinks about a particular thing
: advice from someone with special knowledge : advice from an expert
technical : a formal statement by a judge, court, etc., explaining the reasons a decision was made according to laws or rules

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

opinion

noun
opin·​ion | \ ə-ˈpin-yən How to pronounce opinion (audio) \

Kids Definition of opinion

1 : a belief based on experience and on certain facts but not amounting to sure knowledge In my opinion you should take the job.
2 : a judgment about a person or thing She has a high opinion of herself.
3 : a statement by an expert after careful study He should get an opinion from a lawyer.

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