Synonyms

skepticism

American

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

Or scepticism

noun

skeptical attitude or temper; doubt.

Synonyms:

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

Synonyms:

agnosticism, atheism, disbelief

Antonyms:

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

skepticism Cultural

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.

Other Word Forms

antiskepticism noun

Etymology

Origin of skepticism

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It behooves investors to at least offer a little skepticism when there is such a broad consensus that everything will go well,” said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Already on Saturday, some members of Congress were softening their initial skepticism.

From Los Angeles Times

Your skepticism is an asset, not a liability.

From MarketWatch

He also acknowledged the skepticism of some residents while pledging transparent, accountable governance.

From Salon

Just be sure that tonally you are conveying excitement and curiosity, not skepticism.

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023