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

Investors have turned skeptical on the AI trade of late due to a combination of higher borrowing costs, concerns about soaring debt and public backlash toward the industry. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

But their effects on memory and functioning are modest, and many scientists are skeptical of their significance. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026

In Los Angeles, the two mayoral candidates differ on what to do to bring down housing costs, with incumbent Karen Bass more skeptical of a push to build denser housing than her opponent, Councilmember Nithya Raman. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

The judge was also skeptical of the student’s petition because none of the others accused joined in support of it. — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 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