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

Join 48 others in the comments View Comments Still, industry experts say SpaceX’s bold ambitions spark both excitement and skepticism. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 19 June 2025

But the patriotic pitch drew immediate skepticism, and not just over President Trump trying to cash in again while in office. —Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 18 June 2025

Some Trump allies have expressed skepticism — and at times outright indignation — at the idea of the U.S. involved in another conflict in the Middle East, while others have offered wholehearted support. —Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 18 June 2025

We weren’t sold on the Orioles heading into the season, but even that skepticism was far too optimistic. —Levi Weaver, New York Times, 17 June 2025