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

Courtesy of Vielight Definitive clinical trials haven’t been run yet; broader research and validation is required, and some in the field are skeptical. — Mirin Fader, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Experts advise travelers to be skeptical of online reviews and look for specific, human details rather than generic praise. — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Vaccine policy has become a prominent issue ahead of the November midterms elections, spurred on by a vaccine-skeptical president and health secretary. — Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026

Public attention can continue growing while the tone surrounding an organization gradually becomes more skeptical. — Pierce Kafka, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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