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

• 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

Some software engineers are skeptical Tech CEOs are making ambitious claims about AI's coding capabilities. —NPR, 21 Oct. 2025

Another Democratic senator, who is neutral in the race, appeared skeptical that Platner’s past would define the primary. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2025

Though the company has made progress in debt reduction, investors have remained skeptical in part because of the company's cable network portfolio as consumers move toward streaming. —Sara Salinas,luke Fountain,alex Sherman, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025

Yet Gen Zers are also the most skeptical about frozen food’s nutrition, quality, and safety. —Darin Detwiler, Fortune, 21 Oct. 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