skepticism

noun

skep·​ti·​cism ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce skepticism (audio)
Synonyms of skepticism
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 of skepticism

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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
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.
The Carlson-Vance partnership has generated more conservative blowback over the past few years as Carlson has progressed from skepticism of Israel into anti-Semitism, which Carlson denies. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026 Separate Gallup polling conducted in 2025 found that skepticism about the safety of driverless cars had risen over the previous several years. — Bernard Condon, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 Along the way, Torre and his team drew the ire of the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer, the skepticism of Mark Cuban and Bill Simmons, the attention of millions of fans — and earned a Pulitzer Prize for his team’s efforts. — Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Yields are surging just as Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s tenure is getting started, signaling skepticism from bond investors that his government will be able to get the UK fiscal order in check. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skepticism

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skepticism was in 1646

Rhymes for skepticism

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Browse Nearby Words

skeptical
skepticism
skepticize
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Cite this Entry

“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skepticism. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skepticism

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