DOUBT Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

doubt 1 of 2

noun

Definition of doubt next

as in skepticism

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something from the beginning I had my doubts about the investment scheme

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

doubt

2 of 2

verb

ˈdau̇t

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

The last time the reauthorization of the program came before Congress, its funding was only approved for one year, until March 2025, instead of the usual five, and some members of Congress have expressed doubts the way the funding is being used. —

Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025 There’s no doubt that good nutrition is fundamental for your health. —

Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025

Verb

Even with a down payment secured with the sale of Mr. Kinney’s Clark home, the couple began to doubt their chances after visiting more than a dozen listings. —

Addie Morfoot, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Many doubt Musk’s true intentions in taking the reins of DOGE. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for doubt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubt

Noun

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
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