incredulity

[ in-kri-doo-li-tee, -dyoo- ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being incredulous; inability or unwillingness to believe.

   Synonyms: doubt, skepticism, disbelief

   Antonyms: faith

incredulity

/ ˌɪnkrɪˈdjuːlɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of belief; scepticism

Word History and Origins

Origin of incredulity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English incredulite, from Latin incrēdulitās; incredulous, -ity

Example Sentences

Although the trailer for Beasts caused a brief eruption of incredulity on social media, there is nothing shocking about the existence of these two extremely silly shows.

From Time

In a now frequently memed response, Zuckerberg said, “Senator, we run ads,” his tone a mix of deference and incredulity.

From Washington Post

Some incredulity about the virus and public-health recommendations is understandable given the reality that scientific understanding of the newly emergent virus is evolving in real time.

From Time

When I mentioned to other mathematicians that Heule was attempting this, their first response was incredulity.

From Quanta Magazine

It started off small: a hint of annoyance here, a flutter of incredulity there.

From The Daily Beast

The humility of Joseph to accept this news when most would have responded with incredulity and dismay.

From The Daily Beast

The incredulity gap poses a serious hurdle for Secretary Kerry.

From The Daily Beast

Informed of the great interest in his new beard, he responded with incredulity.

From The Daily Beast

Incredulity and astonishment enabled his abuse as much as complicity or cover-up.

From The Daily Beast

The circle around did not exactly contradict him, but exhibited expressive appearances of incredulity.

From Project Gutenberg

Tressan halted, too, and turned upon Gaubert, a look of incredulity in his fat countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

The report spread to Edinburgh, but was received there with scornful incredulity.

From Project Gutenberg

Dick Faversham, to whom the words were spoken, smiled, and the smile was not without incredulity and a sense of wonder.

From Project Gutenberg

My incredulity increases if I am told that the performers of miracles have been cruelly tormented or slain.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• amazement
• skepticism