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 each case, skeptics used the scientific method to produce data that disproved the incumbent theory. —Noubar Afeyan, Time, 9 Mar. 2026

Some skeptics view the idea as a pipe dream in tough fiscal times when the federal government is spending billions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the war in Iran. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026

An anonymous email delivers 10 sound files and the prospect of a spooky tale to explore – Evy as the skeptic, Justin the true believer. —Peter Larsen, Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026

Ahuja also responds to skeptics who say AI is just a convenient label for old-fashioned cost-cutting. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Mar. 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