, unbelief,
hesitation, misgiving, skepticism, uncertainty.

_Doubt_ is a lack of conviction that may refer either to matters of
belief or to matters of practise. As regards belief, while _doubt_ is
lack of conviction, _disbelief_ is conviction, to the contrary;
_unbelief_ refers to a settled state of mind, generally accompanied with
opposition of heart. _Perplexity_ is active and painful; _doubt_ may be
quiescent. _Perplexity_ presses toward a solution; _doubt_ may be
content to linger unresolved. Any improbable statement awakens
_incredulity_. In theological usage _unbelief_ and _skepticism_ have a
condemnatory force, as implying wilful rejection of manifest truth. As
regards practical matters, _uncertainty_ applies to the unknown or
undecided; _doubt_ implies some negative evidence. _Suspense_ regards
the future, and is eager and anxious; _uncertainty_ may relate to any
period, and be quite indifferent. _Misgiving_ is ordinarily in regard to
the outcome of something already done or decided; _hesitation_,
_indecision_, and _irresolution_ have reference to something that
remains to be decided or done, and are due oftener to infirmity of will
than to lack of knowledge. _Distrust_ and _suspicion_ apply especially
to the motives, character, etc., of others, and are more decidedly
adverse than _doubt_. _Scruple_ relates to matters of conscience and
duty.

Antonyms:

assurance, certainty, conviction, determination, resolution,
belief, confidence, decision, persuasion, resolve.

* * * * *

DRAW.

Synonyms:

allure, drag, haul, induce, lure, tow,
attract, entice, incline, lead, pull, tug.

One object _draws_ another when it moves it toward itself or in the
direction of its own motion by the exertion of adequate force, whether
slight or powerful. To _attract_ is to exert a force that tends to
_draw_, tho it may produce no actual motion; all objects are _attracted_
toward the earth, tho they may be sustained from falling. To _drag_ is
to _draw_ against strong resistance; as, to _drag_ a sled over bare
ground, or a carriage up a steep hill. To _pull_ is to exert a _drawing_
force, whether adequate or inadequate; as, the fish _pulls_ on the
line; a dentist _pulls_ a tooth. To _tug_ is to _draw_, or try to
_draw_, a resisting object with a continuous straining motion; as, to
_tug_ at the oar. To _haul_ is to _draw_ somewhat slowly a hea