DOUBTS Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

doubts 1 of 2

noun

plural of doubt

as in suspicions

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something from the beginning I had my doubts about the investment scheme

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doubts

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of doubt

as in questions

to have no trust or confidence in I doubt that you can do all that you say

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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 doubts

Noun

The fun along with — of course — the doubts, the surprises, the deadlines, the page count. — Lisa Kudrow, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 The contretemps later that year with Japan only further raised doubts about Beijing’s command over the industry. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Voyah faced similar doubts after publishing footage of its Passion S completing the loop. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 But, when kuru deaths continued, there were doubts that the men had told the truth, and the meetings stopped. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Oceanside has worked for years to get its neighbors on board with plans to restore and retain sand on its eroding beaches south of the municipal pier, but some Carlsbad residents still have their doubts. — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 But the new executive order advises that the MMR be separated into three individual shots — a dramatic change that goes against broad scientific consensus and a suggestion that could raise doubts. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026 But behind the pomp and ceremony of official Washington, the meeting will reveal two wary superpowers projecting their doubts and apprehensions onto the other. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Still, Shuter reported that Stewart’s doubts about Meghan’s credibility reflect what many in Hollywood have been thinking for years. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

The Israeli government said in a message in English that conversations were deep and constructive, while a message in Hebrew, attributed to an anonymous Israeli official, emphasized disagreements and said that Israel doubts Hamas will disarm. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026 But almost no one doubts that they are protected by the First Amendment. — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Forbes probably won’t sue Despite the range of legal theories available, Friedman doubts Forbes will actually bring a case. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 Zhang doubts the move will derail development of AI companion services substantially, though, since tech companies are working on alternatives. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 Energy company Equinor doubts the bloc will hit even its softened 80% winter target. — semafor.com, 31 July 2026 The monastic Wiesler eventually comes to believe Dreyman is harmless and in the process doubts the very foundations of autocracy itself. — David Faris, TheWeek, 27 July 2026 Kerr doubts his name will remain atop the record books for another 27 years. — George Edwards, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Being proactive means seeing these currents and establishing your ownership before anyone even doubts it. — Andrey Insarov, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubts

Noun

Writer-director Steven Conrad employs a fair bit of misdirection, pointing our suspicions first to Clark and then to Carol.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Reporting then revealed a historic spike in the sales of physical books printed before 2022, and booksellers began voicing their suspicions that AI companies were secretly their big buyers.

— Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of suspicions

Noun

If promises of stable electric bills and technology to reduce water usage face mass public skepticism, tech companies have only themselves to blame.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
The approval comes despite growing vaccine skepticism, especially toward mRNA vaccines following Covid-19.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of skepticism

Noun

Speakers focused on the expansion of surveillance cameras across metro Atlanta, recent cases involving officers accused of misusing Flock data and concerns about immigration enforcement.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
There are growing concerns of a fuel supply crisis as global reserves rapidly decline.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of concerns

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doubtlessness

doubts

douceur

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“Doubts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubts. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of doubts

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