skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

1

: an adherent or advocate of skepticism

2

: a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles

Synonyms

• questioner

Examples of skeptic in a Sentence

Skeptics have pointed out flaws in the researchers' methods.

You can believe in ghosts if you like, but I'm still a skeptic.

He is a skeptic and a cynic.

Recent Examples on the Web

More than that, such skeptics ask, what other nation on earth is expected to provide humanitarian aid to its enemy during wartime? —Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025

The picnic seems to have swayed some — but certainly not all — Highland Park skeptics. —Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025

Naturally, many skeptics wonder if the actual goal was to intimidate NABU officials who investigate very senior government officials. —Steve Cortes, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

Une Femme offers the perfect antidote for skeptics of buttery, oaked Chard, with just enough body to shine when paired with an acid-bomb green herby salad or ceviche. —Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin or Greek; Latin scepticus, from Greek skeptikos, from skeptikos thoughtful, from skeptesthai to look, consider — more at spy

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for skeptic

• peptic
• sceptic
• septic
• antiepileptic
• antiseptic
• epileptic
• neuroleptic
• aseptic
• dyspeptic
• organoleptic

Kids Definition

skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

: a person slow to believe or ready to question : doubter