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

The comments in the post were split between those who wanted to show care to the boyfriend and those who were skeptical of the woman's behavior. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

But there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical. —Bob Woods, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2025

Several health and science professionals remain skeptical that getting into politics in any way will help their cause. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025

Given the love that audiences had for the non-celebrity contestants across three fantastic seasons of The Traitors on the BBC, viewers may have been skeptical when a celebrity version was first announced. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025

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