SKEPTICISM Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

skepticism

noun

ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm

Definition of skepticism

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

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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 Belief and skepticism clash, but lingering beneath the argument is something strange and frightening — and that something is getting closer. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 The bill also faces several political obstacles, including an incoming mayor who expressed skepticism about Waymo expansion on the campaign trail. — Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026 Vilanch’s skepticism finally overwhelmed his willingness to believe. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for skepticism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skepticism

Noun

Any doubts over whether that deal would be concluded would have been banished as soon as Riad was taken off.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
In the past, Cofnas has expressed doubts about the intellectual abilities of Blacks in comparison to whites.

— Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of doubt

Noun

JonBenét’s involvement in beauty pageants became fodder for tabloids, suspicion surrounded her parents even after they had been cleared as suspects, and numerous theories developed regarding who killed her.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Aug. 2026
Still, the response — or lack thereof — prompted suspicions among Republican lawmakers in Washington.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of suspicion

Noun

The popular corn maze and sunflower gardens flooded, adding uncertainty to whether the former will be ready as usual for Conner Prairie's high-profile fall festivals.

— John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026
Northwestern University economist Chuck Manski studies decision-making amid uncertainty.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncertainty

Noun

The same technologies that risk concentrating power and breeding distrust can also help distribute it.

— Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
The wars exacerbated Americans’ distrust of government and soured an entire generation on the notion of the United States as a force for good in the world.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of distrust

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“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skepticism. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of skepticism

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