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 The speed of the development has prompted some skepticism in the vaccine's safety, though public health officials have been working to ensure confidence in the public regarding the vaccine. — Mica Soellner, Washington Examiner, "Bill Clinton and Bush join Obama in promise to take coronavirus vaccine publicly," 3 Dec. 2020 But he's also talked openly about the skepticism in Japan where enthusiasm is muted by health risks, billions of dollars in taxpayer bills, and questions why the Games are a priority amid a pandemic. — Yuri Kageyama, Star Tribune, "Critics speak out on Tokyo Olympic costs, pandemic, fairness," 12 Nov. 2020 But for the hordes of newbie investors who’ve been storming its gates all year, the skepticism doesn’t track. — Sarah Ponczek, Bloomberg.com, "Day Traders Say They Told You So in Market Bending to Their Will," 9 Nov. 2020 Harris' past work as a prosecutor has prompted skepticism among progressives and young voters who are looking to her to back sweeping institutional change over incremental reforms in policing, drug policy and more. — Kathleen Ronayne, chicagotribune.com, "Kamala Harris makes history, becoming the first Black woman and South Asian elected vice president," 7 Nov. 2020 Harris' past work as a prosecutor has prompted skepticism among progressives and young voters who are looking to her to back sweeping institutional change over incremental reforms in policing, drug policy and more. — The Associated Press, NOLA.com, "Kamala Harris becomes first woman elected US vice president," 7 Nov. 2020 Harris' past work as a prosecutor has prompted skepticism among progressives and young voters who are looking to her to back sweeping institutional change over incremental reforms in policing, drug policy and more. — Kathleen Ronayne, orlandosentinel.com, "Kamala Harris becomes first Black woman, South Asian elected U.S. vice president," 7 Nov. 2020 Harris' past work as a prosecutor has prompted skepticism among progressives and young voters who are looking to her to back sweeping institutional change over incremental reforms in policing, drug policy and more. — Kathleen Ronayne, Anchorage Daily News, "Harris becomes first Black woman, South Asian elected VP," 7 Nov. 2020 The skepticism appears justified after Minnesota has fallen to 0-2 following a resounding defeat to Michigan and a curious loss to a Maryland team it was favored to beat by 18 points. — Rainer Sabin, Detroit Free Press, "Big Ten winners and losers: Jim Harbaugh takes his biggest 'L' at Michigan," 2 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skepticism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.