Synonym Chooser

How does the noun skepticism differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of skepticism are doubt, dubiety, mistrust, suspicion, and uncertainty. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

In what contexts can doubt take the place of skepticism?

In some situations, the words doubt and skepticism are roughly equivalent. However, doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

When is it sensible to use dubiety instead of skepticism?

The meanings of dubiety and skepticism largely overlap; however, dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When might mistrust be a better fit than skepticism?

While the synonyms mistrust and skepticism are close in meaning, mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When could suspicion be used to replace skepticism?

The words suspicion and skepticism can be used in similar contexts, but suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

Where would uncertainty be a reasonable alternative to skepticism?

While in some cases nearly identical to skepticism, 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 skepticism At first, the idea of turning a golf course into a nature preserve was met with skepticism. Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025 Since the pandemic, a wider skepticism for everything including vaccines and the price of eggs has changed the way people approach information in general: The thinking is, do your own research, and trust neither side. Ulysses Ortega, New York Times, 3 May 2025 The most skepticism came with a meeting of four male staffers for the Michigan Republican Lisa McClain, who during her first two congressional campaigns in 2020 and 2022 received strong nods of support from Donald Trump. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025 Frost was likely one of the few interviewers who would seriously engage the pair on a topic that was still viewed with skepticism by the British public. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skepticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skepticism
Noun
  • There is no doubt that not having to play the next day has its benefits.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
  • For subsumed within Lincoln’s willingness to accept the Chicago nomination was knowledge — perhaps without a doubt — of what actions by states were to come and what actions were morally right for the government to pursue.
    Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • In a voice-over, the responding officer, Mark Raposo, recalls his suspicions en route.
    Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
  • His protectionist advisers have encouraged his suspicions.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • But the economic uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariff plans remains pronounced, increasing speculation about whether potential off ramps are imminent or trade wars could ramp up again with various nations.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Other Asian countries, like Vietnam, which will be subject to high (but still lower-than-China) tariff rates, may benefit from the uncertainty.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Another source of distrust is the college admission process, which is largely seen as opaque and capricious.
    Mark Robison, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
  • Racial disparities harm our community, lead to distrust, and have a negative impact on community safety.
    Devlin Barrett, Twin Cities, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skepticism. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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