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 Hegseth has long expressed skepticism about the need to protect civilians in war. —Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025 Trump has expressed skepticism about the alliance for some time and has often called on allies to invest more in defense spending. —Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025 Collecting more information than necessary increases privacy concerns and can create skepticism about how that data is used. —Katie Jewett, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 After dumping Ryan Pressly’s salary in January, the Astros signed no major-league free-agent relievers, prompting preseason skepticism about their depth. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 7 Apr. 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
  • Some of the Supreme Court’s conservatives have cast doubts about the precedent in recent years.
    — Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • What To Know According to the DHS summary, officers noted eight other individuals in the vehicle and no visible luggage, prompting suspicions of human trafficking.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 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
  • Phoenix will now enter an offseason filled with uncertainty and their shrewd moves have ultimately come to backfire.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncertainty
Noun
  • The two sides came in with deep distrust, given that Mr. Trump walked away from the 2015 accord that Iran had brokered with the United States and other world powers, and then imposed harsh sanctions on Tehran during his first term.
    — Lara Jakes, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • But years of distrust hang over the meeting, after Trump in 2018 pulled out of the original U.S.-Iran nuclear deal negotiated by former President Obama.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 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 24 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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