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Definition of skepticismnext

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 Kennedy has in particular made skepticism toward antidepressants for adolescents a centerpiece of his public health agenda, even claiming that antidepressants may be harder to quit than heroin — a stance that ignores decades of evidence about their safety and efficacy. Stephen B. Soumerai, STAT, 7 Jan. 2026 The device, as experts quickly pointed out at the time, looked an awful lot like a mid-tier Android phone from a Chinese smartphone company, drawing plenty of skepticism. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 7 Jan. 2026 This unclarity in motives is part of what contributes to skepticism about American interests here. Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026 Here are five reasons for hope and five reasons for skepticism as Whittingham takes charge. Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skepticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skepticism
Noun
  • Cameron Winter’s lyrics have an air of inscrutable mysticism, but there is little doubt he’s supposed to be the one singing them.
    Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Tonga has missed the past three games, which puts his availability for Sunday’s Wild Card showdown with the Chargers in significant doubt.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • All the while, Tony Award winning director David Cromer (The Band’s Visit) exploits audience suspicion.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Priya, meanwhile, turns her suspicions on Jack as well as the elusive Catherine, who yields no results on a Google search save for an article about her dead older sister.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Polk said the astronaut is stable but that diagnostic uncertainty in microgravity prompted NASA to err on the side of bringing the crew member back to Earth.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • But in the second season of the series, which wrapped last Sunday, a new sense of uncertainty, reflection, and maturity grips the central characters, making for even better television.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That is so important in these situations, in which there is deep distrust of law enforcement by protesters and community groups.
    Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • That fear, and the general distrust that has always existed between the players and owners, is why Manfred’s idea is unlikely to be implemented anytime soon.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skepticism. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on skepticism

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