skepticism

noun

ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce skepticism (audio)
Definition of skepticismnext
as in doubt
a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something our alibi was met with skepticism at first, but we gradually convinced them of the truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun skepticism differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of skepticism are doubt, dubiety, mistrust, suspicion, and uncertainty. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

In what contexts can doubt take the place of skepticism?

In some situations, the words doubt and skepticism are roughly equivalent. However, doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

When is it sensible to use dubiety instead of skepticism?

The meanings of dubiety and skepticism largely overlap; however, dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When might mistrust be a better fit than skepticism?

While the synonyms mistrust and skepticism are close in meaning, mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When could suspicion be used to replace skepticism?

The words suspicion and skepticism can be used in similar contexts, but suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

Where would uncertainty be a reasonable alternative to skepticism?

While in some cases nearly identical to skepticism, uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of skepticism Gary Marcus declared victory for his decades-old skepticism. —Raff Ripoll, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 These days, many users compare the app, sometimes with skepticism, to Uber Eats. —Emily Witt, New Yorker, 24 July 2025 There is a lot of skepticism about how the new cast is going to live up to the original. —Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025 There’s plenty of skepticism in the caucus after Republicans unilaterally pushed through a $9 billion spending-cuts package. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for skepticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skepticism
  1. doubt
  2. suspicion
  3. uncertainty
  4. distrust
Noun
  • Eleven are ready to convict—until one juror (Henry Fonda, also the film’s producer) raises quiet, persistent doubts.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 July 2025
  • There is always going to be debate about who is the sport’s GOAT, but Hagen is always in the discussion, and with a doubt, one of the very, very best and highest profile golfers to ever live.
    — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • Their suspicions persist despite the Department of Justice releasing a memo July 7 that tried to close the book on the Epstein saga.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 July 2025
  • Brad confirms Sophie’s suspicions, at which point Sophie confronts Margo.
    — Nicole Briese, People.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of suspicion
Noun
  • Some of our most important protections have been implemented while acknowledging scientific uncertainty.
    — David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
  • The QAnon movement continues to evolve, even as its central figure hedges and hesitates, showing how potent myths can be in times of uncertainty.
    — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 19 July 2025
Definition of uncertainty
Noun
  • The two groups aren’t just distinct but opposite, the Sharks vs. Jets of outdoor recreation, each side dance-snapping at the other in rhythmic distrust.
    — David Litt, Time, 28 July 2025
  • There is a distrust of the way that our government withholds information, for example, or covers things up, in their minds.
    — Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
Definition of distrust

Browse Nearby Words

skeptically
skepticism
skeptics
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Cite this Entry

“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skepticism. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on skepticism

Nglish: Translation of skepticism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skepticism

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