skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
Synonyms of skepticalnext
: 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.
The full bench on the 5th Circuit appeared generally skeptical of the DOJ’s arguments for using the Alien Enemies Act, after lower courts have overwhelmingly rejected the president’s use of the 18th-century law. Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026 But still, European officials remain skeptical. S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026 At least five other justices on the nine-member court also sounded skeptical about the effort to remove her from office. Mark Sherman, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026 Police were skeptical at first about Emmanuel’s involvement. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 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 27 Jan. 2026.

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

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