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 The ban comes after federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed skepticism about water fluoridation, even though the process is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2025 The ban, which is effective May 7, comes weeks after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism about water fluoridation, was sworn into office. —Matthew Brown and Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Many of the leading institutions in American public life do deserve our skepticism. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 There are certain items that people associate so strongly with a particular brand, any suggestion of using one made by another manufacturer is met with immediate skepticism and disbelief. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skepticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skepticism
  1. doubt
  2. suspicion
  3. uncertainty
  4. distrust
Noun
  • On Sunday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with the families of two girls who had died from measles in West Texas—and raised doubts about the safety of vaccines.
    — Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • However, even the new record-holder had some doubts.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • The report concluded that the university administration had repeatedly failed to address the concerns of pro-Palestinian demonstrators and, instead, treated them with suspicion.
    — Sharon Otterman, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
  • And there’s no way the Hatches, with their matriarch’s suspicion of television generally, would have gotten a color TV.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of suspicion
Noun
  • As of Thursday at 3 pm Eastern, RH stock had fallen nearly 40%, rattled by the uncertainty of Trump’s tariffs and last year’s poor performance.
    — Julie Goldenberg, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Before the new tariffs were announced, the uncertainty around what Trump’s plan would entail already weighed on US consumer confidence, which fell in March to its lowest level since the pandemic.
    — Marc Bain and Joan Kennedy, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncertainty
Noun
  • Uncertainty breeds distrust, and the brain craves predictability.
    — Alex Draper, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Trump’s Signal scandal fuels growing distrust from allies.
    — Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 31 Mar. 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 15 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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