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

Despite some luxury market skepticism towards EVs, Miller believes the GT will attract new customers. — James Morris, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Take me home to West Virginia Despite early skepticism that programs like Ascend West Virginia couldn't produce long-term gains, many have reported high retention rates and lasting economic benefits. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 24 July 2026

And when asked about former President Barack Obama, the suspect gives standard biographical information, drawing skepticism from Hal. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Within the real-estate industry, there was skepticism that Berman’s approach would work in other parts of the city. — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for skepticism

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

Kids Definition

skepticism

noun

skep·​ti·​cism ˈskep-tə-ˌsiz-əm 

: an attitude of doubt