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
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.
That included 83% of Democrats but just 33% of Republicans, who tend to be more skeptical of climate change. Susan Page, USA Today, 6 July 2025 Lee also points out North Korea's poor infrastructure and vulnerability to geopolitical fluctuations as reasons to be skeptical about its tourism ambitions. Se Eun Gong, NPR, 5 July 2025 In contrast, Democrats appeared far more skeptical. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 The band started out in Idaho, where the Brauns hail from, as a cowboy band — Micky was only a few years removed from competitive rodeo and Gary was skeptical of whether music was his future. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptical. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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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