Definitions

public opinion

NOUN

common belief

Synonyms

WEAK

climate of opinion community sentiment consensus gentium conventional wisdom general belief group pressure popular belief prevailing belief prevailing sentiment public belief social pressure special-interest pressure vox pop vox populi

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rather, Musk won in the court of public opinion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The case illustrates the power of AI technology to damage reputations and shape public opinion long before the facts have emerged.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

These concerns have influenced public opinion and even medical advice, leading some people to believe repeated dieting attempts may ultimately cause more harm than benefit.

From Science Daily • May 17, 2026

He cannot hear the Sky commentary, he has no idea what public opinion is.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Newspapers, books, posters, speakers, and films, such as The Kaiser: The Beast of Berlin, helped shape public opinion.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman