skepticism

American  

[skep-tuh-siz-uhm] / ˈskɛp təˌsɪz əm /

Or scepticism

noun

1. skeptical attitude or temper; doubt.

   Synonyms:

   questioning

2. doubt or unbelief with regard to a religion, especially Christianity.

   Synonyms:

   agnosticism, atheism, disbelief

   Antonyms:

   faith

3. (initial capital letter) the doctrines or opinions of philosophical Skeptics; universal doubt.

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skepticism Cultural  

1. In philosophy, the position that what cannot be proved by reason should not be believed. One of the main tasks of epistemology is to find an answer to the charge of some extreme skeptics that no knowledge is possible.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antiskepticism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of skepticism

First recorded in 1640–50; from New Latin scepticismus; equivalent to skeptic + -ism

Explanation

Skepticism is doubt about something — you're just not convinced or can't totally believe it. If your brother is only four feet tall, you should view his claims that he can slam dunk a basketball with a lot of skepticism. If you like to poke holes in other people's ideas, then you are full of skepticism. Some people follow a specific belief system that questions the truth of anything, but most people save their skepticism for certain things. Tabloids, Big Foot sightings, and over-eager used car salesmen should all be viewed with a little skepticism. On the other hand, gullible folks believe everything they hear and don't have much, if any, skepticism.

Example Sentences

“That, to me, is the best way to alleviate most of people’s suspicion. We have a system that breeds skepticism and distrust,” Essayli said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

All of this means that people who show up sick to the hospital aren’t told what they’re sick with for days or nearly weeks in an area where outsiders are seen with rational skepticism.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

“There’s still a tremendous amount of skepticism, which is a good thing for investors because markets tend to climb a wall of worry,” she added.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The ensuing report also expresses skepticism about the grandmaster’s rapidly improving over-the-board play but finds no proof that Mr. Niemann cheated at Sinquefield.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

As the practical details piled up in his mind, Conant, who had come to Chicago still imbued with the skepticism about atomic weaponry prevailing in Bush’s circle, finally began to reconsider.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• apprehension
• disbelief
• distrust
• hesitation
• reluctance
• suspicion
• uncertainty