Doubt - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT doubt /daʊt/ /daʊt/ IPA guide

Other forms: doubts; doubted; doubting

Doubt is distrust or suspicion. When your kid sister explains that a robber broke in and ate your entire chocolate stash, most likely you feel doubt.

When you're in doubt, you really can't tell what's true and what's false, whether that's a news story or whether you want to marry someone or whether you'll survive Med school. The Latin root of doubt is dubitāre, "to hesitate, waver," and when you doubt something you're wavering: I think I believe you, but maybe I don't. But maybe I do. But maybe not? One thing not to doubt is the silent b. Pronounce: DOWT.

Definitions of doubt

noun the state of being unsure of something synonyms: doubtfulness, dubiety, dubiousness, incertitude, uncertainty see moresee less types: show 7 types... hide 7 types... arriere pensee, mental reservation, reservation an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly distrust, misgiving, mistrust, suspicion doubt about someone's honesty disbelief, incredulity, mental rejection, scepticism, skepticism doubt about the truth of something indecision, indecisiveness, irresolution doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action peradventure doubt or uncertainty as to whether something is the case suspense an uncertain cognitive state hesitation, vacillation, wavering indecision in speech or action type of: cognitive state, state of mind the state of a person's cognitive processes
noun uncertainty about the truth or factuality or existence of something synonyms: doubtfulness, dubiousness, question see moresee less type of: precariousness, uncertainness, uncertainty being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
verb consider unlikely or have doubts about “I doubt that she will accept his proposal of marriage” see moresee less type of: disbelieve, discredit reject as false; refuse to accept
verb lack confidence in or have doubts about “I doubt these reports” see moresee less type of: disbelieve, distrust, mistrust, suspect regard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in

Pronunciation US /daʊt/ UK /daʊt/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘doubt'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing doubt

"The Road Not Taken"

This road or that road? See how Robert Frost's traveler describes the possible choices in the poem "The Road Not Taken." Here are all the word lists to support the reading of Grade 7 Unit 1's texts from SpringBoard's Common Core ELA series: The Road Not Taken, Choices, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, Dust Tracks on a Road, Bad Boy, Why Couldn't I Have Been Named Ashley?, Phaethon, Daedalus and Icarus, Arachne, The Lion, the Fox, and the Stag, A Note from the Author, creation myths

"A Modest Proposal," Vocabulary from the satire

As you read Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal," learn this word list. Here are links to lists for texts in Grade 12's Collection 3: On the Vietnam War, 1967, The Crisis, Civil Disobedience, The Clan of One-Breasted Women, A Modest Proposal, Imagine the Angels of Bread

Beowulf vocabulary

Vocabulary from "Beowulf" (translated by by Gummere).

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account