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

Synonym Chooser

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 But the data is enough for one industry observer to view the ad campaigns out of Stellantis and Ford with skepticism. —Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 While skepticism about tariffs is increasing modestly, that doesn’t mean the public is automatically rejecting Trump or his approach to trade. —Josh Boak and Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025 Senior Trump officials denied at the time classified information was shared on the chat, although this was met by skepticism by analysts and critics of the defense secretary. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 At least one House Republican earlier this month expressed skepticism about limiting the power of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions, according to Politico. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skepticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skepticism
  1. doubt
  2. suspicion
  3. uncertainty
  4. distrust
Noun
  • There's no doubt now that when history is being made on the course, golf fans take notice and tune in, making these events must-watch television.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Kuemper shows his regular-season form There isn’t any doubt that Winnipeg’s star goalie Connor Hellebuyck will take home his second consecutive Vezina Trophy and third of his career.
    — Eric Stephens, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • Panicked at the thought of Kamilla, his closest (and secret) ally leaving the game, Kyle desperately tried to convince others to vote for Chrissy instead, raising David's eyebrows and planting suspicion of an undercover alliance.
    — Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike Revere, who was known as a fierce revolutionary, Dawes might be able to bypass the checkpoint without raising suspicion.
    — Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of suspicion
Noun
  • The tariff file has caused a high level of uncertainty both for consumers and businesses.
    — Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The natural chaos of life can make uncertainty feel even worse, Dr. Gallagher says.
    — Korin Miller, SELF, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncertainty
Noun
  • Tesla products have a place in the market, but there's a tangible distrust, skepticism, and hatred for its CEO expressed by many Americans.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Over-promising breeds distrust, and lowballing harms growth.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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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