I don't think
I'm not sure
A phrase that softens disagreement or expresses doubt: I don't think that's quite right.
Often tacked onto the end of a statement for ironic emphasis, suggesting the opposite is obvious: He's a genius—I don't think.
This trailing use sounds dated now, a relic of 1990s comedy.
Disposition toward doubt
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- incredulityInability to accept something
suspicion · distrust · misgiving · reservation · qualm · hesitation · second-guessing · unconvinced
Thinking deeply about something
- consideringMentally evaluating something
- mullingDeep, slow consideration
- weighingMeasuring mass or heft
- deliberatingCarefully thinking before deciding
contemplating · reasoning · evaluating · processing · assessing · analyzing · ruminating · musing
Uncertain and provisional
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- noncommittalNot expressing clear opinion
- qualifiedMeeting necessary standards
- guardedWary and restrained
diplomatic · evasive · softening · equivocation · vague · indirect · polite · tactful
Disagreement with authority
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
- pushbackResistance to something proposed
challenge · dispute · counterpoint · opposition · rejection · denial · refusal · naysaying
skepticism
Disposition toward doubt
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
incredulity · suspicion · distrust · misgiving · reservation · qualm · hesitation · second-guessing · unconvinced · dubious
pondering
Thinking deeply about something
- consideringMentally evaluating something
- mullingDeep, slow consideration
- weighingMeasuring mass or heft
deliberating · contemplating · reasoning · evaluating · processing · assessing · analyzing · ruminating · musing
tentative
Uncertain and provisional
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- noncommittalNot expressing clear opinion
- qualifiedMeeting necessary standards
guarded · diplomatic · evasive · softening · equivocation · vague · indirect · polite · tactful · understated
dissent
Disagreement with authority
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
pushback · challenge · dispute · counterpoint · opposition · rejection · denial · refusal · naysaying · demurral
I don't thinkI know
Acknowledgment of awareness
without a doubt · definitely · undoubtedly · clearly · obviously