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

• disbeliever
• doubter
• doubting Thomas
• questioner
• unbeliever

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

In the face of political opposition, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel waged a public relations campaign to win over skeptics. —Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025

Biotech could be a proving ground for the practicality of quantum computing, which some skeptics say has been hyped, like AI. —Felix Salmon, Axios, 3 Jan. 2025

Campaigns featuring local influencers showcasing your products in relatable local contexts can create genuine and reliable connections with new audiences, turning skeptics into customers. 3. —Waleed Najam, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

The $200 million budget for James Cameron’s 1997 retelling of the sinking of the RMS Titanic — the largest ever for a movie at the time — led skeptics to believe the film, like its subject, would go under. —Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

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