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

But Americans are still skeptical the economy is moving in the right direction, and many are feeling left behind. — Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026

Labor organizations and conservatives are skeptical of any program that expands the use of foreign labor. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 10 July 2026

McElwee was skeptical, but eventually agreed, with the stipulation that he be allowed to make a documentary about the remaking of his own film. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026

Critics give this a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences are a bit more skeptical at 62%. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 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