skepticism

noun

skep·​ti·​cism ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

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

2

a

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

b

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

3

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

Synonyms of skepticism

• doubt
• suspicion
• uncertainty
• distrust

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

Annamalai has also criticized the AIADMK, the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu since 2021 and the BJP’s key ally in the state, accusing it of corruption and expressing skepticism about the alliance. —Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026

But even as much of the public opinion continues to be informed by fear and skepticism, the idea of using AI is growing less taboo in Hollywood. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026

DeepSeek’s ascent since last year, however, has come with skepticism. —John Liu, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026

But the deal has drawn intense skepticism from many notable Hollywood power players, worried that the consolidation will mean fewer opportunities. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for skepticism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

skepticism

noun

skep·​ti·​cism ˈskep-tə-ˌsiz-əm 

: an attitude of doubt