creed

noun

ˈkrēd How to pronounce creed (audio)
Synonyms of creednext
1
: a brief authoritative formula of religious belief
the Nicene Creed
2
: a set of fundamental beliefs
also : a guiding principle
Never settle for mediocrity is his creed. —Jill Lieber
creedal adjective
or credal
ˈkrē-dᵊl How to pronounce creed (audio)

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of creed in a Sentence

central to the creed of this organization of medical volunteers is the belief that health care is a basic human right the Amish live by a strict creed that rejects many of the values and practices of modern society
Recent Examples on the Web The syncretic religion that melds Catholicism with animist beliefs has no official leader or creeds. —Dánica Coto, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 May 2024 The university has responsibilities to protect their students from harassment on the basis of religion or creed or national origin. —Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for creed 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'creed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English crede, from Old English crēda, from Latin credo (first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds), from credere to believe, trust, entrust; akin to Old Irish cretid he believes, Sanskrit śrad-dadhāti

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of creed was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near creed

Cree

creed

creedalism

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Cite this Entry

“Creed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creed. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

creed

noun
ˈkrēd How to pronounce creed (audio)
1
: a statement of the basic beliefs of a religious faith
2
: a set of guiding principles or beliefs
Etymology

Middle English crede "creed," from Old English crēda (same meaning), from Latin credo, literally, "I believe" (used as the first words in many creeds), from credere "to believe, trust, entrust" — related to credentials, credit, incredible

More from Merriam-Webster on creed

Nglish: Translation of creed for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of creed for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about creed

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