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

Any interruptions in recruiting officers could set the department back, the skeptics argue. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Lasry took on the skeptic’s argument, supported by one academic study after another, that big events like the World Cup generate more hype than hard dollars. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 7 July 2026

To skeptics who say the American version of soccer chants and songs isn’t the real thing, Back said to give it time. — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Even so, placing Gálvez in the pantheon of the American Revolution really might help all Americans, even skeptics, see that Hispanics belong in this country. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 3 July 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