doubt 1 of 2

doubt

2 of 2

verb

as in to question
to have no trust or confidence in I doubt that you can do all that you say

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun doubt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of doubt are dubiety, mistrust, skepticism, suspicion, and uncertainty. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

When might dubiety be a better fit than doubt?

The synonyms dubiety and doubt are sometimes interchangeable, but dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When could mistrust be used to replace doubt?

The meanings of mistrust and doubt largely overlap; however, mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When would skepticism be a good substitute for doubt?

The words skepticism and doubt can be used in similar contexts, but skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

When is suspicion a more appropriate choice than doubt?

Although the words suspicion and doubt have much in common, suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

When is it sensible to use uncertainty instead of doubt?

In some situations, the words uncertainty and doubt are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Examples 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 doubt
Noun
The defense argued that prosecutors' primary witness, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, could not be trusted to tell the truth, attempting to place doubt in the jurors' minds. Kyler Alvord, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025 There’s no doubt Army is a unique situation, but Buddie has a long and proven track record of being a top notch fundraiser. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
Advertisement Evaluators doubt that Bryce would be ready for the NBA after only one season at Arizona, meaning that LeBron would need to play beyond his current Lakers contract, which expires after the 2025-26 season, to take the court with both of his sons. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 Hope this helps anyone out there doubting their own post partum recovery. Emily Trainham, Fox News, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for doubt 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubt
Noun
  • For CEOs grappling with skepticism, the key is to foster excitement without ignoring the risks.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • In Chicago, where then-Mayor Rahm Emmanuel was a supporter, local leaders expressed skepticism about whether Boring could build an airport loop without public funding.
    Daniel Rothberg, ProPublica, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Several conservatives were seen entering Johnson's office at the Capitol on Thursday afternoon, including House Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland, who has questioned his leadership.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Yoon’s legal team previously questioned whether the impeached president is even eligible for prosecution.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Virgil Thew, 47, was arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree intentional homicide in suspicion of fatally shooting a 33-year-old woman and two girls, ages 12 and 13, at a home in New Lisbon, Wis., authorities said.
    Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025
  • While officials have yet to confirm whether arson is responsible for the widespread fires, suspicions of intentional ignition have circulated widely on social media.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Army Green Beret suspected of triggering an explosion inside a Cybertruck and dying by suicide at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas had been receiving mental health treatment for depression as recently as December, a U.S. official said on Friday.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
  • If anyone suspected there was a mole in Utah, Williams would be the natural choice to lead the mole hunt.
    Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The uncertainty around his future had become an increasing distraction for the club, with negotiations lasting several weeks.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • What's Next The Syrian transitional government is still in its formative stages, leaving uncertainty about its implications for the country's future.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near doubt

Cite this Entry

“Doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubt. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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