skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl 

: relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism

a skeptical listener

skeptically

ˈskep-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of skeptical

• suspicious
• cautious
• incredulous
• careful
• wary
• doubting
• questioning
• distrustful
• disbelieving
• mistrustful

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

For the most part, however, Wall Street is skeptical that the stock will see more gains from here. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026

All three justices — Michelle Kim, Gregory Weingart and Helen Bendix — directed skeptical questions to Weinstein’s attorney. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026

George Derek Musgrove, an associate professor of history at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, was skeptical of McCormick’s effort because the congressman said the measure stemmed from the results of the Virginia referendum, which could benefit Democrats. —Jesse Bedayn, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026

Merchant shipping groups are skeptical. —ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for skeptical

• sceptical
• receptacle

Kids Definition

skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl 

: relating to or marked by doubt

skeptically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb