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 of skeptic

• 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

Rather than scripting the final act of a Shakespearean tragedy that exists only in their imagination, skeptics might try covering the story unfolding in front of them – one of the most successful transformations on Wall Street playing out today. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Warren was one of a number of antitrust exemption skeptics on Capitol Hill who CNBC spoke with to gauge the appetite for granting the request floated by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei with support from other AI executives. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Choi described two personality types, skeptics and frozen, that the group is targeting. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

What companies have described as their AI agents going rogue has involved bots working toward goals set by humans, skeptics note. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

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