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

Even before the Ukraine war, international shipping giants were skeptical and the route remains controversial. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

The Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze is played as a glowering, skeptical presence by a darkly handsome English actor. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026

Artists are understandably kind of skeptical or thinking a little bit. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2026

However, Schneider is skeptical about the efficacy of flour as a pest repellent. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 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