skepticism

noun

skep·ti·cism | \ ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm

Definition of skepticism

1 : an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object

2a : the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain

b : the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism characteristic of skeptics

3 : doubt concerning basic religious principles (such as immortality, providence, and revelation)

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about skepticism

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Choose the Right Synonym for skepticism

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something. uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result. assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision. plagued by doubts as to what to do dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions. felt some dubiety about its practicality skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence. an economic forecast greeted with skepticism suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone. regarded the stranger with suspicion mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion. had a great mistrust of doctors

Examples of skepticism in a Sentence

She regarded the researcher's claims with skepticism. It's good to maintain a healthy skepticism about fad diets.

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s another reason for skepticism about his long-term standing: A large portion of his support may simply be name recognition among people who aren’t likely to show up to vote. — David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, "What polls really tell us about the state of the presidential race," 30 Aug. 2019 On the first question, there is reason for skepticism. — Gary Marcus, WIRED, "DeepMind's Losses and the Future of Artificial Intelligence," 14 Aug. 2019 But beyond the constitutional issues there are sound policy reasons for skepticism against most gun-control measures. — John Fund, National Review, "Chris Sununu Isn’t Panicking on Gun Control," 11 Aug. 2019 The Federal Reserve recently lowered interest rates in an attempt to bolster economic growth, but there is skepticism about whether lower mortgage rates will do much to help prospective homebuyers. — Jordyn Grzelewski, cleveland.com, "Sellers still in control: Northeast Ohio home prices this spring rose amid inventory pinch," 6 Aug. 2019 The reasons for the skepticism among farmers are varied and complicated, ranging from mixed climate signals to partisan politics and everything in between. — Jeff Berardelli, CBS News, ""Everything is changing": Farmers seek solutions, not slogans, on climate change," 29 July 2019 Sources say Direct Shot is trying to have everything fixed by mid-August, but there is some skepticism among indie labels and retailers if that goalpost will be met. — Ed Christman, Billboard, "'An Endless Fiasco': Indie Retailers Describe Worsening Breakdown in Getting CDs, Vinyl Delivered to Record Stores," 16 July 2019 Such records are also a cause for great skepticism, though. — Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, "The Story of the Cyclist with the Highest-Ever VO2max," 20 June 2019 One of the reasons for skepticism was that Qatar’s hot temperatures could pose major challenges. — Rick Noack, Washington Post, "Former senior soccer official Michel Platini reportedly detained amid investigation into 2022 World Cup in Qatar," 18 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skepticism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for skepticism

skepticism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of skepticism

: an attitude of doubting the truth of something (such as a claim or statement)

See the full definition for skepticism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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skepticism

Definition of skepticism

Synonyms & Antonyms for skepticism

Choose the Right Synonym for skepticism

Examples of skepticism in a Sentence

First Known Use of skepticism

English Language Learners Definition of skepticism

skepticism

Definition of skepticism

Synonyms & Antonyms for skepticism

Choose the Right Synonym for skepticism

Examples of skepticism in a Sentence

First Known Use of skepticism

English Language Learners Definition of skepticism

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