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 The Rehearsal attempted to get Fielder’s message to the federal government, but so far it has been met with skepticism, to put it kindly. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025 The answer to that question offers a glimpse into the psyche of this generation of digital natives who eye the world – and the American education system – with a dose of skepticism. Jackie Valley, Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2025 Not one person expresses any skepticism, which suggests we’re meant to take this premise seriously. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 For so many of us who grew up with vaccines as just a part of life, who are old enough to have the little round smallpox vaccine scar on our arms, the vaccine skepticism just seemed to come out of nowhere. Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for skepticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skepticism
Noun
  • There were doubts Florida would ever consistently make the playoffs, let alone be annual Stanley Cup contenders.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
  • There is little doubt about where Fils will want to play.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Murderbot's newfound free will leads to odd behavior sparking suspicion from the PreservationAux team.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • Though suspicions had long surrounded Steven Pankey — a local man with ties to her church who later ran twice for the governor of Idaho — he wasn’t arrested until 2020.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The Tipperary, Ireland, native wants to make the most of this historic run that coincides with an ongoing wave of economic uncertainty.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 21 May 2025
  • Economists and real estate agents say a variety of factors are putting a lid on home prices, including high mortgage rates, rising inventory levels and economic uncertainty stemming from tariffs.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Nearly 10% express distrust in health information from providers, a rate significantly higher than older generations.
    Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Others doubted that any such institution could overcome the legacies of conflict and mutual distrust among their neighbors and bring together members that were far apart both geographically and in terms of security concerns.
    ELY RATNER, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skepticism. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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