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 of skeptic

• 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

For data center skeptics who point out massive energy and water demand that threaten to hike utility bills, subsidies just add salt to the wound. —Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026

King sees his career trajectory as a learning opportunity for spectators and skeptics alike. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Feb. 2026

Early skeptics questioned the wisdom of giving a single federal department a monumental budget as well as broad policing and surveillance powers, but caution was largely cast aside. —Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026

Anecdotally, my students have moved from gung-ho libertarians on the issue in 2019 to cautious skeptics in 2025, describing to me how gambling has altered their fandom and their friends who have struggled with addiction. —Emil Steiner, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

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