skepticism

noun

skep·​ti·​cism ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce skepticism (audio)
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)
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
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.
At least one House Republican earlier this month expressed skepticism about limiting the power of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions, according to Politico. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 Iran, while expressing skepticism, has agreed to participate in the talks, emphasizing a willingness to engage despite Washington's confrontational tone. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 And other markets, including oil, bonds and the dollar, are sending a clear message of deep skepticism that Trump will be able to pull this one off. David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025 Kennedy has expressed skepticism over inoculation and is known to traffic in medical misinformation. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Skepticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skepticism. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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

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