Synonyms of skepticism

skepticism

noun

ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

as in doubt

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

our alibi was met with skepticism at first, but we gradually convinced them of the truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of skepticism

That skepticism helps explain why the stock trades at an extremely cheap price-to-earnings multiple of less than 9 times calendar year 2027 estimates despite strong fundamentals. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Its approval has been met with skepticism due to scrutiny over mRNA technology stemming from anger over COVID-19 vaccine mandates during the pandemic and misinformation about the shot's safety. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026

These new provisions have been met with skepticism from human rights groups, including fears that deportation centers hosted abroad could morph into long-term holding facilities overflowing with asylum seekers stuck in legal limbo. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

The acting attorney general overcame skepticism from Republican Sens. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026