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

McCoy was skeptical; there wasn’t enough time for the Volunteers to drive four hours from Knoxville to Atlanta. — Matt Baker, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

People might be skeptical about his size (listed as 6 feet), but so many quarterbacks in college and the NFL have proven their worth with skills, instincts and intelligence. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

But Kwiyani is skeptical about how successful that effort will be. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

But some are skeptical about how widely the accounts will be adopted. — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 3 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