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

• antiskepticism noun

Etymology

Origin of skepticism

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

Example Sentences

So is the skepticism of efforts to mediate between faith and reason, and to reconcile divine obligation with human freedom.

From The Wall Street Journal

The man turned his bloodshot eyes on him, and he felt himself grow hot under their burning skepticism.

From Literature

“There is great skepticism among Ukrainian people” about the U.S.-led talks, said Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former Ukrainian defense minister.

From The Wall Street Journal

The president’s mortgage directives also prompted skepticism from some experts.

From Los Angeles Times

There was no shortage of skepticism around Darnold’s ability to replicate that success.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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