skepticism

noun

skep·​ti·​cism ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce skepticism (audio)
Synonyms of skepticismnext
1
: an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object
2
a
: the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain
b
: the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism characteristic of skeptics
3
: doubt concerning basic religious principles (such as immortality, providence, and revelation)

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for skepticism

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something.

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

doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

Examples of skepticism in a Sentence

She regarded the researcher's claims with skepticism. It's good to maintain a healthy skepticism about fad diets.
Recent Examples on the Web And while tax breaks have robust bipartisan support in the Legislature, they’re met with skepticism by some economists. —Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2024 Regarding the city’s requests for more negotiations and some last-minute efforts to secure new water deals outside the region, water authority board member Neal Meyers expressed skepticism. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for skepticism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skepticism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skepticism was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near skepticism

skeptical

skepticism

skepticize

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skepticism. Accessed 31 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

skepticism

noun
skep·​ti·​cism ˈskep-tə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce skepticism (audio)
: an attitude of doubt

More from Merriam-Webster on skepticism

Nglish: Translation of skepticism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of skepticism for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skepticism

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