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

The Supreme Court, too, signaled skepticism when it heard fast-track oral arguments in November.

From The Wall Street Journal

But when accommodation expands without clear boundaries or meaningful verification, its credibility erodes and skepticism grows about even well-founded uses.

From The Wall Street Journal

The board faces skepticism from some of America’s closest allies, including France, the United Kingdom and Germany.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since the start of the year, investors have expressed concern about AI’s potential to disrupt certain areas of business activity, as well as skepticism about the near-term payoff of the technology.

From Barron's

“I think that there is going to be a lot of skepticism about the energy industry participating in this space,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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