skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

1

: an adherent or advocate of skepticism

2

: a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles

Synonyms

• questioner

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

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

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

Rhymes for skeptic

• peptic
• sceptic
• septic
• antiepileptic
• antiseptic
• epileptic
• neuroleptic
• aseptic
• dyspeptic
• organoleptic

Kids Definition

skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

: a person slow to believe or ready to question : doubter