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 Høeg's appointment as the head of CDER had drawn controversy and sparked alarm among senior FDA officials due to her history of vaccine skepticism, CBS News previously reported. —Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 16 May 2026 Netanyahu’s decision to preempt that debate was initially met with GOP skepticism. —David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2026 Multiple news outlets have reported on Christine's skepticism of past federal health responses, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 16 May 2026 That skepticism never fully subsided. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for skepticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skepticism
  1. doubt
  2. suspicion
  3. uncertainty
  4. distrust
Noun
  • The election drubbing cemented doubts among many Labor lawmakers about Starmer’s judgment, vision and leadership ability — a brutal indictment on a leader who returned the party to power in July 2024 after 14 years in opposition.
    — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • When in doubt, turn to Dries Van Noten’s polka-dot-print pareo.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 14 May 2026
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • More than that, there is a general sense of anger and suspicion about entrenched élites.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • The timeline of the Andrew scandal has been heavily discussed, even before the disgraced former prince was arrested for suspicion of misconduct in public office.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 17 May 2026
Definition of suspicion
Noun
  • All of this was aggravated by a raft of economic uncertainties, from weak domestic consumption to the threat of a historic trade war with the US, leaving the keenest buyers, like Cai, to think twice before entering the market.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • Second, in terms of transportation methods, growing uncertainty around air travel has led European travelers to consider alternatives such as rail.
    — , CNBC, 18 May 2026
Definition of uncertainty
Noun
  • Wallace is particularly troubled by how quickly hantavirus was incorporated into the COVID-era health conspiracies and the distrust in public health authorities that still thrive in certain online ecosystems.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
  • Concha argued that the situation highlights public distrust and government secrecy.
    — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
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 22 May. 2026.

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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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