doubt 1 of 2

noun

Definition of doubtnext
as in skepticism
a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something from the beginning I had my doubts about the investment scheme

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

doubt

2 of 2

verb

ˈdau̇t How to pronounce doubt (audio)
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

Example 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
There's no doubt that fanny packs are useful travel bags, but they’re not always considered to be the most fashion-forward option. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025 In writer-director Natasha Kermani’s adaptation of a short story by Joe Hill (who is Stephen King’s son), their finding out dad’s truth at last only awakens doubt. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 July 2025
Verb
But this year, Democrats doubt that the issues that bedeviled them four years ago — like post-pandemic learning loss, public school gender policies, or higher crime that got blamed on criminal justice reform — will be on the ballot again. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 July 2025 Her colleagues didn’t doubt her observations, but the interpretation remained a debate. —Samantha Thompson, Space.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for doubt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubt
  1. skepticism
  2. question
  3. suspicion
  4. suspect
  5. uncertainty
Noun
  • Still, Zandi voiced skepticism about the staying power of the tax payments.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 July 2025
  • While skepticism surrounding the nature of Epstein’s death largely transcended ideological lines, Democrats were more willing to dismiss such claims as conspiratorial than their Republican colleagues.
    — Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
Definition of skepticism
Verb
  • Other residents questioned why concerns about possible adverse health effects were not factored into the decision on whether to proceed with the new tower.
    — Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Some have questioned whether city commissioners can unilaterally change election dates — a decision that also changes the length of their current terms — without voter approval.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Definition of question
Noun
  • Brad confirms Sophie’s suspicions, at which point Sophie confronts Margo.
    — Nicole Briese, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • Their suspicions persist despite the Department of Justice releasing a memo July 7 that tried to close the book on the Epstein saga.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Definition of suspicion
Verb
  • Fans suspect its title will be Iceman, based on Drake using the name across social media captions and video promotions in recent weeks.
    — Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • Madsen’s death appeared to be from natural causes, with no foul play suspected, per NBC4 Los Angeles citing a local sheriff's department.
    — Jack Smart, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of suspect
Noun
  • Some of our most important protections have been implemented while acknowledging scientific uncertainty.
    — David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
  • The QAnon movement continues to evolve, even as its central figure hedges and hesitates, showing how potent myths can be in times of uncertainty.
    — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 19 July 2025
Definition of uncertainty

Browse Nearby Words

doubly
doubt
doubtable
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Cite this Entry

“Doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubt. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on doubt

Nglish: Translation of doubt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about doubt

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