DOUBT Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'doubt' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of doubt are dubiety , mistrust , skepticism , suspicion , and uncertainty . While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision. // plagued by doubts as to what to do

Q: When might 'dubiety' be a better fit than 'doubt'?

The synonyms dubiety and doubt are sometimes interchangeable, but dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions. // felt some dubiety about its practicality

Q: When could 'mistrust' be used to replace 'doubt'?

The meanings of mistrust and doubt largely overlap; however, mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion. // had a great mistrust of doctors

Q: When would 'skepticism' be a good substitute for 'doubt'?

The words skepticism and doubt can be used in similar contexts, but skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence. // an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

Q: When is 'suspicion' a more appropriate choice than 'doubt'?

Although the words suspicion and doubt have much in common, suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone. // regarded the stranger with suspicion

Q: When is it sensible to use 'uncertainty' instead of 'doubt'?

In some situations, the words uncertainty and doubt are roughly equivalent. However, 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 1 of 2

noun

Definition of doubt next

as in skepticism

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something from the beginning I had my doubts about the investment scheme

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

doubt

2 of 2

verb

ˈdau̇t

as in to question

to have no trust or confidence in I doubt that you can do all that you say

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun doubt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of doubt are dubiety, mistrust, skepticism, suspicion, and uncertainty. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

When might dubiety be a better fit than doubt?

The synonyms dubiety and doubt are sometimes interchangeable, but dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When could mistrust be used to replace doubt?

The meanings of mistrust and doubt largely overlap; however, mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When would skepticism be a good substitute for doubt?

The words skepticism and doubt can be used in similar contexts, but skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

When is suspicion a more appropriate choice than doubt?

Although the words suspicion and doubt have much in common, suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

When is it sensible to use uncertainty instead of doubt?

In some situations, the words uncertainty and doubt are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of doubt

Noun

The war is at a volatile juncture, with a fifth of Ukrainian territory in Russian hands, North Korean troops deployed in Russia's Kursk region and doubts over the future of Western aid as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House. —

Anastasiia Malenko and Tom Balmforth, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 There is little doubt that New York City is one of the most delightful places to visit during the holiday season, in part thanks to the NYC Christmas markets around every corner. —

Juliet Izon, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Nov. 2024

Verb

In his dissent, Justice John Paul Stevens sounded the alarm of the high court doubting the capacity of state judges to make the right calls on how to handle recounts. —

Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 Short of a disaster-level event, Weaver doubts rain will keep either party from voting on Tuesday. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for doubt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubt

Noun

Then again, in that same interview, Brown expressed skepticism about whether the British public would also welcome his American wife back into a royal role.

Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Although this is a worrying trend, growing Taiwanese skepticism of the United States has not translated into a greater desire to unify with Beijing. HARDENED STEEL China’s gray-zone campaign, intended to help achieve unification, is instead pushing Taiwan further away.

David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024