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

In June, Kennedy removed all 17 members of the CDC's expert vaccine panel and filled many of the positions with people who have been vaccine skeptics or questioned COVID-19 vaccine mandates. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025

Going forward, theatrical success for video game adaptations won’t hinge on persuading skeptics or expanding the genre’s language. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2025

And some skeptics are increasingly convinced that the entire edifice is a monument to hubris that will come tumbling down before long. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025

The Food and Drug Administration has previously told reporters that such claims, widely promoted among vaccine skeptics during the pandemic, are false. —Jessica Schreifels, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025

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