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

What companies have described as their AI agents going rogue has involved bots working toward goals set by humans, skeptics note. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

And other skeptics say pausing AI development would only work with the cooperation of China, which is far from guaranteed. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026

While some parents may favor an AI approach to learning, skeptics of the Alpha school network cite concerns over isolationism and student anxiety over pre-set learning targets. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Paired with some hefty promises — which IndieWire broke down by the numbers here — these assurances might make some of the merger’s skeptics feel better right away. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 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