skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik How to pronounce skeptic (audio)
1
: an adherent or advocate of skepticism
2
: a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles

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 But there are still far more skeptics than proponents. Min Joo Kim, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024 Derided by climate change skeptics and pundits for decades, and subjected to memes making light of his concern about global warming, Gore soldiers on. USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 While some skeptics find the military's flare explanation plausible, others acknowledge that some aspects of the Phoenix Lights incident remain unexplained. The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Some skeptics of the allegations accuse Israel of using them to justify the intensity of its military actions in Gaza. Becky Sullivan, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 Four-day week trial converts skeptics The initial findings, published last year, were hugely promising. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 22 Feb. 2024 And yes, skeptics who want to test the technology by putting obstacles in the way. Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 But there are some skeptics who think Nvidia may be overvalued. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 The premise is classic: A group of psychics and skeptics is invited to the foreboding Hill House to participate in a study of the supernatural. Katie Rife, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skeptic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeptic was in 1587

Dictionary Entries Near skeptic

Cite this Entry

“Skeptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

skeptic

noun
skep·​tic ˈskep-tik How to pronounce skeptic (audio)
: a person slow to believe or ready to question : doubter

More from Merriam-Webster on skeptic

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