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

The shares have since come back to earth as investors and Wall Street skeptics grew impatient about the pace of his turnaround. —Stephanie Link, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026

Today, in an email interview with Vanity Fair, Ye attempted to address these skeptics by reminding them his music is still wildly popular. —Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2026

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, a skeptic of direct confiscation and fearful of legal action from the Kremlin, reiterated that any such disposition must comply with international law. —Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

It’s meant to convince those skeptics that electric vehicles can be fun, ridiculous, and unapologetically excessive toys. —New Atlas, 23 Jan. 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