doubt 1 of 2

doubt

2 of 2

verb

as in to question
to have no trust or confidence in I doubt that you can do all that you say

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun doubt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of doubt are dubiety, mistrust, skepticism, suspicion, and uncertainty. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

When might dubiety be a better fit than doubt?

The synonyms dubiety and doubt are sometimes interchangeable, but dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When could mistrust be used to replace doubt?

The meanings of mistrust and doubt largely overlap; however, mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When would skepticism be a good substitute for doubt?

The words skepticism and doubt can be used in similar contexts, but skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

When is suspicion a more appropriate choice than doubt?

Although the words suspicion and doubt have much in common, suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

When is it sensible to use uncertainty instead of doubt?

In some situations, the words uncertainty and doubt are roughly equivalent. However, 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 doubt
Noun
Without a doubt, the most important element of an individual’s investment success is behavior. Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025 Any doubt that the Donald Trump tantrum tariffs are the cause of the bloodbath in the stock market, wiping out the wealth and retirement savings of tens of millions of Americans, was settled yesterday morning. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
If taxpayers are given reason to doubt that the government will respect their privacy, the integrity and efficacy of our voluntary tax system will eventually crumble. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Though few doubt it, no one expected the Northern Irishman to have the backing of Phil Mickelson. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doubt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubt
Noun
  • 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
  • Iran, while expressing skepticism, has agreed to participate in the talks, emphasizing a willingness to engage despite Washington's confrontational tone.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned the district’s defense that the books are being used to promote respect for others and to show that the world is diverse.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • But some experts have questioned the validity of a player excelling at both positions at the pro level.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
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
Verb
  • These tariffs target goods from more than 180 countries and territories, including China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Vendors impacted by the cancellations suspect the move was triggered by the trade dispute.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Due to Kevin’s olive skin and brown eyes, his grandmother suspected his mother had cheated on his father.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The tariff file has caused a high level of uncertainty both for consumers and businesses.
    Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • That’s one of the top storylines given the uncertainty across various levels of the draft.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubt. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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