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

• disbeliever
• doubter
• doubting Thomas
• questioner
• unbeliever

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

The industry is watching, and skeptics are everywhere. —Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 10 June 2025

With the right approach and recipe, even eggplant skeptics will produce superlatively silky, meaty results in no time. —Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2025

Related article As a major crypto bill advances, skeptics see ‘a slow moving car crash’ Bitcoin, a bellwether for crypto, has shot up 67% since Trump spoke in Nashville last year. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 28 May 2025

Cautious Voices: Conversely, skeptics caution against potential volatility and regulatory challenges. —Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 27 May 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