What does "skepticism" mean?
The practice or philosophy of being a skeptic.
Skepticism
/ˈskɛp.tɪˌsɪ.zəm/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The practice or philosophy of being a skeptic.
- Grammar: skepticism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: agnosticism, agnosticism, animosities, anti-environmental.
- Useful contrasts: clear proof, cultural beliefs, favorable regard.
- Usage evidence: A healthy dose of skepticism is vital when listening to a politician speak.
How to use "skepticism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "skepticism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "skepticism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "skepticism" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "skepticism" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "skepticism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "agnosticism" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "skepticism", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The practice or philosophy of being a skeptic. US, countable, uncountable
- 2 doubt about the truth of something wordnet
- 3 A studied attitude of questioning and doubt. US, countable, uncountable
"Ever since El Martinez started asking to be called by the gender-neutral pronouns “they/them” in the ninth grade, they have fielded skepticism in a variety of forms and from a multitude of sources about what it means to identify as nonbinary."
- 4 the disbelief in any claims of ultimate knowledge wordnet
- 5 The doctrine that absolute knowledge is not possible. US, countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A methodology that starts from a neutral standpoint and aims to acquire certainty through scientific or logical observation. US, countable, uncountable
- 7 Doubt or disbelief of religious doctrines. US, countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
clear proofcultural beliefsfavorable regardfounding belief
Example
"A healthy dose of skepticism is vital when listening to a politician speak."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "skepticism"?
Common synonyms include: agnosticism, agnosticism, animosities, anti-environmental, apathy toward tradition, apprehension.
How do you use "skepticism" in a sentence?
A healthy dose of skepticism is vital when listening to a politician speak.
How do you pronounce "skepticism"?
Pronounced /ˈskɛp.tɪˌsɪ.zəm/.
Etymology
From New Latin scepticismus; equivalent to skeptic + -ism.