doubt 1 of 2

doubt

2 of 2

verb

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 goal is to raise doubts in the case over the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, 46. Michael Loria, USA Today, 29 May 2025 The same mindset that demands performance and perfection is the one that breeds doubt. Neerja Bhatia, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
Cannes Film Festival chief Thierry Frémaux entered the room with a martial bearing, his square jaw tilted upwards in the manner of a man who need not doubt his significance. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 June 2025 Vaccine skeptics may believe in his leadership; Americans who once put their faith in institutions now have reason to doubt them. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for doubt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubt
Noun
  • However, optimism has since given way to skepticism, as a series of policy missteps and economic headwinds have made Bessent’s goal seem increasingly unattainable.
    Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Polis’s office had signaled skepticism to the bill throughout the session.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Some might find the introduction of a major conflict — when a different date turns nightmarish for Sophie, causing Lucy to question her certainties about what makes a good match and berate herself for failing to spot red flags — to be a heavy-handed nudge toward a resolution.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
  • The announcement also prompted concern among bloggers who write about Disney parks in California and Florida, who questioned the impact the restrictions could have on the thousands who visit the parks each year from Venezuela.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • At a time when Cold War tensions heightened curiosity and suspicion about all things Soviet, American consumers flocked to the new vodka as an edgy, exotic choice—drinking vodka became simultaneously an act of defiance and fascination.
    Time, Time, 4 June 2025
  • Instead, this suspicion about the trailer tells a more interesting and deeper story about the relationship between marketing and proof in media.
    Callum Booth, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Since Friday, the city and its suburbs have seen federal officers from various agencies face off against protesters who have unsuccessfully tried to stop them from conducting workplace raids or transport people suspected of being in this country illegally to detention facilities.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Kenneth Roth, the man suspected in her slaying as well as several other women’s murders, died of COVID-19 in prison in 2020.
    Stephanie Warsmith, USA Today, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Due to the competitive landscape and consumer uncertainty, Vivid suspended its habit of providing forward earnings guidance to analysts with that call, adding to the bearish sentiment for Vivid that has yet to let up.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 2 June 2025
  • Setting these expectations significantly reduces candidate uncertainty.
    Sherry Martin, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubt. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on doubt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!