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.

The move reflects the threat of mass protests that can grind France to a halt and attack companies that run afoul of public opinion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Once stuck in the single-digits in public opinion polls with a handful of other Democratic candidates, Becerra rose quickly and unexpectedly following the political demise of former Rep. Eric Swalwell.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Our research builds on decades of work showing that public opinion is strongly influenced by media consumption.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 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

The one ever scrutinizing into the public opinion, and ready to follow where he could not lead it; the other insulting it by the most adverse sentiments and pursuits.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis