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

The long road to 2028 While the spectacle was undeniable, aviation experts remain skeptical that the vehicle can serve as both a practical road car and a true aircraft. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

If a skeptical Michael will take the case, Bo wants to sue his creators and get back his ethical guardrails. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Moss isn’t the only Jewish Democrat who remains skeptical of El-Sayed’s harsh criticism of Israel and, as a result, hasn’t backed him. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026

There’s all sorts of reasons that people are skeptical of new technology. — Dustin Desoto, Vox, 16 Oct. 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