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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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.
There are certain items that people associate so strongly with a particular brand, any suggestion of using one made by another manufacturer is met with immediate skepticism and disbelief. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 21 Mar. 2025 However, as vaccine skepticism grows, many who have unwittingly benefited from herd immunity in the past are now at greater risk — ironically, from themselves. — Dr. Jerome Adams, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025 Overcoming skepticism and resistance about human agency—which are understandable—requires clear planning, honest engagement with stakeholders and commitment to reskilling. — Stéphane Donzé, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Rogan, whose podcast The Joe Rogan Experience is hugely popular, has regularly expressed skepticism about the official narrative surrounding Kennedy's assassination and has frequently discussed conspiracy theories on his podcast. — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 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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Cite this Entry

“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skepticism. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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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.com: Encyclopedia article about skepticism

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