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

Even the skeptics can keep an open mind to a manager who can help. — Chad Jennings, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The first, written by bioethicist and oncologist Ezekiel Emanuel with researcher Abe Baker-Butler, argues that AI is far more capable than skeptics think. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 9 Sep. 2026

As the commission moved toward a vote on the plan, there was a certain resignation among the ballroom skeptics, who knew that they were outnumbered. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

That's one reason college rankings have always attracted skeptics. — Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 1 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