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 Democrats, and some Republicans, viewed that message with skepticism. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025 So shuck away your skepticism and check out some of our top picks for the best oyster plates to grab for the next happy hour. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025 The result merits careful attention not for its innovative arguments, but as an impassioned, arresting example of how Brown skepticism, which initially gained traction on the fringes of Black life, has come to hold considerable appeal within the Black intellectual mainstream. Justin Driver, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025 At the same time, skepticism remains, with industry leaders such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang cautioning that meaningful commercial quantum applications could still be decades away. Dr. Ekta Dang, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skepticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skepticism
Noun
  • The reality star has teamed up with TRESemmé for the new Lamellar Gloss Collection's Give Gloss campaign, and there's no doubt — she was made for this.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • At the start of the current campaign, there were some doubts that Ovechkin would break the record.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While some nations view golden visas with suspicion, Americans are flocking to them.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2025
  • He was handcuffed and arrested on suspicion, according to the report.
    Alexandra Koch, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • It’s filled with moments of uncertainty, mid-sentence realizations and mental sticky notes.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The Energy Department on Monday approved the release of nearly $57 million from the loan, a sign that the Trump administration supports the project amid the turmoil and uncertainty in Washington over federal funding for projects started under the Biden administration.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Putting up such blinders in pursuit of continued application and advancement certainly won’t help convince people to use it, but only serves to garner further distrust.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
  • However, many skeptics, like Rogan, have expressed distrust of the commission’s investigation.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skepticism. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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