Synonyms of skepticism

skepticism

noun

ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doubt
• suspicion
• uncertainty
• distrust
• disbelief
• mistrust
• concern
• reservation
• incredulity
• query
• dubiety
• misgiving
• distrustfulness
• incertitude
• dubitation
• mistrustfulness
• paranoia
• wariness
• misdoubt
• unbelief
• anxiety
• qualm
• compunction
• tremor
• scruple
• niggle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• belief
• confidence
• conviction
• trust
• certainty
• assurance
• surety
• faith
• certitude
• sureness
• credence

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

Recent Examples of skepticism

There is no doubt that Russia has vast troves of oil and natural gas, but an effort to lure American or other Western energy companies to undertake Russian projects is likely to encounter skepticism, not least because of the companies' recent history in Russia. —Stanley Reed, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025

Beyond general skepticism about the need for people to wear an AI device on their chest, Humane never proved its pitch of AI Pins replacing smartphones. —Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025

In the White House now is someone who has openly admired Putin, expressed skepticism over U.S. support for Ukraine and rushed to bully America’s closest allies in Latin America, Canada and Europe. —Ronald H. Linden, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025

Most economists express skepticism that a higher tariff regime would lead to such a boom, saying most costs would trickle down to American consumers. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2025