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

Communities are often skeptical of science, medicine and health policy. — Lisa Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

In the beginning, Marcos, Sinclaire’s older son, was the most skeptical about the new arrangement. — Kayla Levy, Curbed, 25 June 2026

The fresh attack, the first reported since the US and Iran agreed last week to work towards a peace deal, prompted an uptick in global oil prices and came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to sell the agreement to skeptical Gulf nations. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

While United Youth claims to be completely independent and youth-run, Shaw and Wagner are skeptical. — Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 25 June 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