doubt

²doubt

noun

Definition of DOUBT

1

a : uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making b : a deliberate suspension of judgment

2

: a state of affairs giving rise to uncertainty, hesitation, or suspense <the outcome is still in doubt>

3

a : a lack of confidence : distrust <has doubts about his abilities> b : an inclination not to believe or accept <a claim met with doubt>

— no doubt

: ¹doubtless

Examples of DOUBT

1. I still have moments of doubt.
2. There can be little doubt that smoking is bad for your health.
3. I had a nagging doubt in the back of my mind.

First Known Use of DOUBT

13th century

Related to DOUBT

Synonyms: distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation [archaic], incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrust, mistrustfulness, query, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty

Antonyms: assurance, belief, certainty, certitude, confidence, conviction, sureness, surety, trust

Related Words: disbelief, incredulity, unbelief; anxiety, concern, paranoia, wariness; compunction, niggle [chiefly British], qualm, scruple, tremor

Near Antonyms: credence, faith

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See Synonym Discussion at uncertainty