Synonyms of doubt

doubt 1 of 2

noun

as in skepticism

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something

from the beginning I had my doubts about the investment scheme

Synonyms & Similar Words

• skepticism
• suspicion
• uncertainty
• concern
• distrust
• disbelief
• mistrust
• misdoubt
• reservation
• misgiving
• dubiety
• query
• incertitude
• dubitation
• distrustfulness
• mistrustfulness
• paranoia
• incredulity
• anxiety
• unbelief
• qualm
• wariness
• compunction
• scruple
• tremor
• niggle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• trust
• belief
• confidence
• certainty
• conviction
• assurance
• surety
• faith
• certitude
• sureness
• credence

doubt

2 of 2

verb

ˈdau̇t 

as in to question

to have no trust or confidence in

I doubt that you can do all that you say

Synonyms & Similar Words

• question
• suspect
• distrust
• mistrust
• misdoubt
• disbelieve
• discredit
• discount
• negate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• trust
• depend (on or upon)
• rely (on or upon)
• count (on or upon)
• bank (on or upon)

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

Recent Examples of doubt

Noun

Ben increasingly is troubled but also wants to be one of the group, and his doubts are spelled out in his eyes. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 16 May 2025

However, influential skeptics such as Kennedy have long raised doubts about the benefits of fluoride. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 May 2025

Verb

The film never doubts the validity of the protests that rose up against the murder of George Floyd. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025

Another of Jennifer Duey’s brothers, John Duey, seemed to doubt that Misch’s crimes are limited to the four killings. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 14 May 2025