skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
: 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 As a result, Smith is skeptical that the tariffs imposed on imports by both Biden and Trump before him will resolve the geopolitical tension. Michael Del Castillo, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 Some newcomers are also skeptical of the Norwegian model. Jackie Mader, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2024 Some are skeptical of this manmade solution to a manmade problem. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2024 Her sons, initially skeptical, have warmed to the idea of mom being a pole dancer. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skeptical 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skeptical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeptical was in 1639

Dictionary Entries Near skeptical

Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptical. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

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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