skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl 

: relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism

a skeptical listener

skeptically

ˈskep-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of skeptical

• suspicious
• cautious
• incredulous
• careful
• wary
• doubting
• questioning
• distrustful
• disbelieving
• mistrustful

Examples of skeptical in a Sentence

She's highly skeptical of the researchers' claims.

He says he can win, but I remain skeptical.

When I said I'd finished my homework early, Mom looked skeptical.

Recent Examples on the Web

Why alums are skeptical Queens name will stay In recent months, however, Carmack said the merger has felt more like an acquisition. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Wallen specializes in whiskey-drunk seductions to skeptical girls who can’t resist his charms. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

When a founder says implementation will take 45 minutes of a developer's time, retailers have learned from bad experience to be skeptical. — Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

There are plenty of reasons to be highly skeptical of the government narrative. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for skeptical

• sceptical
• receptacle

Kids Definition

skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl 

: relating to or marked by doubt

skeptically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb