skeptic

noun skep·tic \ ˈskep-tik \

|Updated on: 21 Jul 2018

Examples: skeptic in a Sentence

Definition of skeptic

1 : an adherent or advocate of skepticism

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

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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 of skeptic from the Web

Exxon had a public spat with ALEC in December when some members backed by climate skeptics such as the Heartland Institute moved to convince the federal government to drop its claim that climate change is a risk to human health.

— kevin crowley and ari natter, Houston Chronicle, "Exxon quits Koch-backed business group after climate change disagreement," 13 July 2018
Speaking at a political rally in Montana, Trump mocked skeptics in the media.

— noah bierman, latimes.com, "Trump heads to Europe amid frayed alliances, and worries about his tilt to Putin," 9 July 2018
Redd didn't seem very prepared to win any skeptics over Tuesday.

— piet levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "J. Cole previews 'KOD' tour with scorching — but short — Summerfest show in Milwaukee," 3 July 2018
Still, Tesla’s skeptics appear little moved by its most recent news that the carmaker had met production targets.

— lucinda shen, Fortune, "As Tesla Reaches Model 3 Production Targets, Short Sellers Have Lost $2.5 Billion," 2 July 2018
Instead of aiding a few BFFs, the post blew up, with almost 50,000 comments from believers and skeptics alike.

— leah prinzivalli, Allure, "This DIY Sunburn Hack Involving Shaving Cream Is Going Viral — and Derms Approve of It," 27 June 2018
Both Stanley's and Keller's churches make a concentrated effort to reach skeptics and others turned off by religion.

— john blake, CNN, "These are the 12 most 'effective' preachers in the English language," 1 May 2018
The Bush administration argued, as Trump has also done, that the skeptics needed to entertain the possibility that North Korea had reevaluated its interests and no longer saw nuclear weapons as a form of protection.

— david e. sanger, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump makes a bet on his ‘terrific relationship’ with North Korean leader," 12 June 2018
Justify's victory silenced the skeptics who believed the colt was due for a loss because of his rushed schedule and close result in the Preakness.

— beth harris, Houston Chronicle, "Owners: Triple Crown winner Justify will race again," 11 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skeptic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of skeptic

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1587

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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skeptic Synonyms

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

SKEPTIC Defined for English Language Learners

skeptic

noun

Definition of skeptic for English Language Learners

: a person who questions or doubts something (such as a claim or statement) : a person who often questions or doubts things

SKEPTIC Defined for Kids

skeptic

noun skep·tic \ ˈskep-tik \

Definition of skeptic for Students

: a person who has or shows doubt about something

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