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
There's no doubt that fanny packs are useful travel bags, but they’re not always considered to be the most fashion-forward option. Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025 In writer-director Natasha Kermani’s adaptation of a short story by Joe Hill (who is Stephen King’s son), their finding out dad’s truth at last only awakens doubt. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 July 2025
Verb
But this year, Democrats doubt that the issues that bedeviled them four years ago — like post-pandemic learning loss, public school gender policies, or higher crime that got blamed on criminal justice reform — will be on the ballot again. David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 July 2025 Her colleagues didn’t doubt her observations, but the interpretation remained a debate. Samantha Thompson, Space.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for doubt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubt
Noun
  • The lack of trust and growing skepticism about Netanyahu’s intentions are reflected in the dwindling public approval among Israelis.
    Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, Time, 7 July 2025
  • Many in Trump's cabinet have previously expressed concern over the implications of an overly strong dollar, and skepticism regarding its status as the world's reserve currency.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Carlson questioned why Epstein had never been asked about a connection with Barak or Mossad.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 14 July 2025
  • Some have questioned whether city commissioners can unilaterally change election dates — a decision that also changes the length of their current terms — without voter approval.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • That new regime’s anti-Western stance put it on a path to conflict with the United States and Israel, and created their long-standing suspicion that Iran’s nuclear program was not purely civilian, as Tehran claimed, but also involved clandestine efforts to develop weapons.
    Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
  • Dexter stalks his next victim (Marc Menchaca) — a killer who targets ride-share drivers — while the ghost of his father Harry (James Remar) urges him to be careful, and a fidgety Harrison tries to evade police suspicions.
    EW.com, EW.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Madsen’s death appeared to be from natural causes, with no foul play suspected, per NBC4 Los Angeles citing a local sheriff's department.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Fans suspect its title will be Iceman, based on Drake using the name across social media captions and video promotions in recent weeks.
    Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • But with so much uncertainty hanging over consumer brands and over consumer spending right now, Prime Day 2025 feels like the most unpredictable Prime Day ever.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 8 July 2025
  • With so many issues still up in the air, though — including the missing permits and the uncertainty around what capacity the ground can open at — Barca have not been able to start any ticket sales for matches.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubt. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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