The phrase "prevailing belief" can be replaced with several synonyms that convey similar meanings. Some useful alternatives for "prevailing belief" might include the term "dominant opinion", which suggests a widely held view that has significant influence on public discourse. Another option could be "conventional wisdom", which is often used to describe commonly accepted ideas or beliefs that are not necessarily based on facts. Similarly, the phrase "popular perception" implies a widely held belief that is often influenced by social conditioning and cultural norms. Other potential synonyms might include "mainstream consensus", "orthodox viewpoint", or "widely accepted doctrine".