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 As a Black and Latina witch, being confronted with skeptics can initially be challenging, especially when faced with doubts about my beliefs and practices. Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023 As the room filled up with other tech skeptics, Cmehil-Warn said that, at M.I.T., scientists were developing robots and apps without considering how they would be used. Sheelah Kolhatkar, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2023 Jim Jordan has gained the support of many former skeptics in recent days, perhaps because his overtures to them predated the current speaker battle. Molly Ball, WSJ, 18 Oct. 2023 Facing a room full of skeptics, Maisel wore them down, persuading them that a goofy overgrown Boy Scout named Captain America could one day be a cinematic icon. Joanna Robinson, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2023 This recipe may change the minds of Brussels sprouts skeptics in your family. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2023 Biden’s team, in an implicit response to Ukraine aid skeptics, emphasized that much of the money would be spent in the United States. Joel Gehrke, Washington Examiner, 25 Oct. 2023 As for the journal, its editorial board is composed 100% of vaccine skeptics, outright anti-vaxxers and dispensers of medically and scientifically unsupported treatments. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2023 An effort backed by the commanding heights of Australian society to change the constitution, allegedly in the name of Aboriginal rights, rightly failed to persuade skeptics. Tom Switzer, National Review, 18 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skeptic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near skeptic

Cite this Entry

“Skeptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptic. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

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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