skepticism
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for skepticism, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A questioning, doubtful attitude toward claims that aren't backed by solid evidence.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use skepticism
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
healthy skepticism
growing skepticism
view with skepticism
Etymology
From New Latin "scepticismus," built from "skeptic" plus "-ism."
Full origin of skepticism →Frequently asked questions
What does “skepticism” mean?
The word “skepticism” means a questioning, doubtful attitude toward claims that aren't backed by solid evidence. In plain terms, an attitude, or philosophy, built around doubting and questioning rather than accepting things on faith.
How do you pronounce “skepticism”?
“Skepticism” is pronounced SKEHP-tih-sih-zuhm (/ˈskɛp.tɪˌsɪ.zəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “skepticism” in a sentence?
Here is “skepticism” used in a sentence: “His skepticism about the miracle cure turned out to be justified.”
What part of speech is “skepticism”?
“Skepticism” is a noun.
Where does the word “skepticism” come from?
The word “skepticism” comes from New Latin. From New Latin "scepticismus," built from "skeptic" plus "-ism.".
Is “skepticism” a common word?
“Skepticism” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “skepticism” have?
“Skepticism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a questioning, doubtful attitude toward claims that aren't backed by solid evidence.
