skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik How to pronounce skeptic (audio)
1
: an adherent or advocate of skepticism
2
: a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles

Examples of skeptic in a Sentence

Skeptics have pointed out flaws in the researchers' methods. You can believe in ghosts if you like, but I'm still a skeptic. He is a skeptic and a cynic.
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.
According to the skeptics, rollers were too rare and too impractical to have been the starting point for the evolution of the wheel. Kai James, JSTOR Daily, 3 July 2025 Since then: Several anti-voucher candidates unsuccessfully challenged incumbents, while pro-voucher challengers backed by dark money groups unseated a handful of voucher skeptics. Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 While skeptics will suggest that this cycle is no different, there is a bigger change brewing beneath these headlines that could have an enduring impact on public markets. Christopher Perkins, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The new panel hand-picked by Kennedy is now made up of just seven members, including some vaccine skeptics. ABC News, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for skeptic

Word History

Etymology

Latin or Greek; Latin scepticus, from Greek skeptikos, from skeptikos thoughtful, from skeptesthai to look, consider — more at spy

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeptic was in 1587

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skeptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

skeptic

noun
skep·​tic ˈskep-tik How to pronounce skeptic (audio)
: a person slow to believe or ready to question : doubter

More from Merriam-Webster on skeptic

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