skepticism

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something. 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

doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

• • plagued by doubts as to what to do

dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

• • felt some dubiety about its practicality

skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

• • an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

• • regarded the stranger with suspicion

mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

• • had a great mistrust of doctors