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

At the same time, publicly traded business development companies, or BDCs, are trading at discounts of 25% or more to their stated book value, implying skepticism about the true value of their loan portfolios.

From Barron's

Musk’s next moves are being met with skepticism, especially as he prepares to take SpaceX public this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Calpers’s decision to add to its holdings might prove savvy, and the market’s skepticism might be misplaced.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite investor skepticism about Copilot, Microsoft told UBS that while the company needs to innovate faster, it can be a successful “fast follower.”

From Barron's

Child care has joined the growing list of industries in which private equity’s influence is facing renewed government skepticism.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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