skepticism

or scep·ti·cism

[ skep-tuh-siz-uhm ]

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.

skepticism

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.

Other Words From

• anti·skepti·cism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of skepticism¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from New Latin scepticismus; equivalent to skeptic + -ism

Example Sentences

Gabbard, who served in the Hawaii National Guard and then joined an Army reserve unit that was deployed to Iraq, has said that her skepticism of intervention was rooted in her experience from serving in a war that she saw as unnecessary and costly.

From Salon

In 2024, skepticism that might have previously lasted a whole news cycle now evaporates the same day.

From Salon

Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn deserve credit for co-authoring Measure G. They recognized that with a popular L.A. city governance reform package already on the November ballot, this year presented a rare opportunity to overcome voters’ historic skepticism about expanding county leadership.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike President Biden, whose administration has sought to rein in cryptocurrency, Trump has done an about-face from earlier skepticism to embrace them, having even promoted a crypto-based business in September, World Liberty Financial.

From Los Angeles Times

Host Dana Bash can't even hide her skepticism about even proposing such a scenario.

From Salon

Related Words

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