Incredulity: meaning, definitions and examples

Incredulity is used when someone is so surprised that they find it hard to believe something is true.

• His story was met with incredulity by the audience.
• There was widespread incredulity at the news.

Disbelief is appropriate when someone outright refuses to accept that something is true.

• She looked at him in disbelief.
• His explanation was met with total disbelief.

Skepticism is used when someone has a habit of questioning or lacking trust in the truth of ideas or statements. It often carries a more analytical or cautious nuance.

• There was a great deal of skepticism surrounding the project.
• He listened to the story with healthy skepticism.

Doubt is used when someone is uncertain or feels unsure about something.

• I have serious doubts about his honesty.
• There was no doubt in her mind.

Incredulity is often used when someone is genuinely shocked or surprised by something they find hard to believe.

• Her face was a picture of incredulity when she heard the news.
• He listened to the story with a sense of incredulity.

Distrust is used when someone does not have confidence in someone or something and always expects dishonesty or harm. It often implies a deeper, ongoing feeling.

• There was a lot of distrust between the two business partners.
• Public distrust in the government has increased over recent years.

Suspicion is appropriate when someone has a feeling that something might be true or that someone might be guilty, but lacks proof.

• The detective's suspicion was aroused by the conflicting statements.
• She felt a growing suspicion that someone was following her.

Unbelief is used when someone simply does not accept something as true, often in a religious or philosophical context.

• His childhood was marked by his unbelief in any form of higher power.
• She expressed her unbelief in the supernatural.