skepticism

noun

skep·ti·cism ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm

Synonyms of skepticism next

: an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object

: the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain

: the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism characteristic of skeptics

: doubt concerning basic religious principles (such as immortality, providence, and revelation)

Choose the Right Synonym for skepticism

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something.

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

doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

Examples of skepticism in a Sentence

She regarded the researcher's claims with skepticism. It's good to maintain a healthy skepticism about fad diets.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

In yesterday’s hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, the most aggressive lines of inquiry came from Democrats who challenged Kennedy’s long history of vaccine skepticism. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025 In fact, a fair number of Judge Chang’s queries to Crichton’s team expressed out and out skepticism sometimes of their perspective focusing on plans for an ER reboot and what became The Pitt. —

Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025 The signal is stronger than expected, suggesting colder than predicted hydrogen gas, which has fueled a lot of skepticism around the claim. —

The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Jan. 2025 President Trump has since nominated RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, though the nomination has been met with bipartisan skepticism. —

Nicole Briese, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for skepticism