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

At the same time, campus civil discourse programs have raised questions and doubts. —Rajiv Vinnakota, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Unspoken fears or doubts shape your expression as Venus confronts Saturn. —Usa Today, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Verb

Howard, who has been doing outreach on Hollywood’s streets for two decades, doubted that everyone got counted that day. —Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026

In its search to find the language to express the truths of the moment, Rehearsals for a Revolution is not afraid to question its own gestures — to doubt itself and to be vulnerable. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 May 2026