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
But progress on this front has been slow, most likely due to China’s increasing unease with Iranian foreign policy and doubts about its long-term stability. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2025 Everything from his experience: the heaviness, the doubt, not wanting to touch the gun again, and what that does to you psychologically. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 June 2025
Verb
Many economists doubt whether the government can do much to dramatically boost the number of manufacturing jobs in the country. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 June 2025 Back in March, Vance was among the few senior officials to initially doubt the utility of the decision to begin launching strikes against Iran's Yemeni ally, Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi movement, according to Signal chats leaked by The Atlantic. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for doubt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubt
Noun
  • Trump’s reelection dashed the view that his first presidency was a mere aberration, and his second administration’s early, seismic actions on global trade, skepticism toward allies, and affection for erstwhile adversaries have already changed the United States’ role and image in the world.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Tesla’s history of hype and overpromising with FSD is legendary, increasing the validity of skepticism.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • But an analysis of new data from Hubble and the European Space Agency’s Gaia Space Telescope has caused researchers to question that time frame.
    Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 21 June 2025
  • Skeptics will point to his physical issues and question his fit outside the Warriors’ unique system.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Or indeed there will be suspicions of Russian perfidy - as happened over Syria.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • See Season 7 schedule McDonald's Snack Wraps are officially coming back: Here's when Huge 400-pound alligator captured in North Carolina on 'suspicion of being a dinosaur' A new Lululemon dress is stirring up the internet.
    James Powel, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • The officials were also involved in arresting 12 Mexican citizens, suspected of being unlawfully in the U.S. after traveling in a small boat from Mexico to Long Beach.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
  • On Sunday, the man suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses was taken into custody following a two-day manhunt.
    Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • While uncertainty around the impact of the levies remains, analysts say investor concern has faded as trade negotiations have entered a quieter phase after the Trump administration struck a deal with China earlier this month.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 26 June 2025
  • Where uncertainty is the only certainty, clinging to perfection and fearing mistakes damages credibility.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubt. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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