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

Ozon is the next economic pressure point Russia’s economy has defied the skeptics. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

The backlash against hyperscale data centers has converted both Democrats and Republicans into AI skeptics, warning that the industry’s rise risks robbing communities of autonomy. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Under Kennedy, vaccine skeptics have been elevated to prominent positions and public-health agencies have suppressed the publication of scientific reports that diverge from his preferred narrative. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

Ladapo has asserted himself as one of the country’s most outspoken vaccine skeptics, going beyond what some of his fellow Republicans have been comfortable with. — Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 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