skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
Synonyms of skepticalnext
: relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism
a skeptical listener
skeptically adverb

Examples of skeptical in a Sentence

She's highly skeptical of the researchers' claims. He says he can win, but I remain skeptical. When I said I'd finished my homework early, Mom looked skeptical.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Heere, the North Texas professor, is skeptical that a large amount of non-soccer fans will suddenly become lifelong fans from attending one World Cup match. Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 But even centrist Democrats are skeptical such a deal can be made and believe the most pragmatic option is to fund DHS on a stopgap bill, otherwise known as a continuing resolution. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026 The state has sued to stop it, but a federal judge has not yet granted an injunction, and legal experts are skeptical that the case will succeed. Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026 Some in the community, including local government officials, were skeptical of the idea at first, said Garry Smyth, a Rotary Connection co-founder and the man who found Brown a place to stay. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skeptical

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeptical was in 1639

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptical. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

skeptical

adjective
skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
: relating to or marked by doubt
skeptically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on skeptical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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