skeptical

adjective

ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
Definition of skepticalnext
1
as in suspicious
inclined to doubt or question claims it's good to be skeptical about what you see on TV

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something I'm a little skeptical of this low bid, since it's way below what the other contractors said that they would charge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of skeptical At least three members of the board are skeptical of the process kicked off by Mayor Jerry Demings, who hoped to complete the funding round before his mayoral term is up at the end of the year. — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026 With free cash flow turning negative, Wall Street is becoming increasingly skeptical that hyperscalers can continue pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into AI infrastructure without showing a greater financial payoff. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 25 July 2026 After all, this wasn’t just the typical NHL homecoming, where a struggling team trots out a former player to buy some time with a skeptical public. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 24 July 2026 There are plenty of reasons to be highly skeptical of the government narrative. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
  1. suspicious
  2. unsure
  3. cautious
  4. doubtful
  5. incredulous
  6. uncertain
  7. careful
  8. wary
Adjective
  • Some of them felt betrayed by Platner himself, while others don’t believe the accusations against him, find the timing suspicious or think there was more to the story.
    — Margie Cullen, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Glen Powell is hitting the field once again — and this time, people are suspicious.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • Funding fights, shifting eligibility rules and abrupt program cuts have played out simultaneously at the federal level, leaving many organizations unsure what the ground will look like from one quarter to the next.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • At a time when many of their peers are unsure of what's next, the students are happy their skills are in demand.
    — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 21 July 2026
Definition of unsure
Adjective
  • Thanks to persistent inflation, the soaring cost of living, and AI making employers cautious about hiring (and everyday people cautious of spending), entry-level part-time jobs like lifeguarding and retail assistants are disappearing.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 25 July 2026
  • Some are more cautious about buying nonessentials like takeout coffee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • As for other returnees to Basic Instinct, Eszterhas was doubtful that Paul Verhoeven would return to direct, but expressed his hope that the filmmaker would come aboard.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
  • Small Wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of doubtful
Adjective
  • When provided with the county’s explanation, Johnson was incredulous.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • On several occasions throughout the game, Lakers players were incredulous after calls – or non-calls – from the crew.
    — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Definition of incredulous
Adjective
  • Given the uncertain outcomes the Fed needs to think less in terms of linear economic curves and more probabilistically, in which case the potential upside for inflation given an energy price spike could warrant quicker action.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • Still, officials emphasized that the CSU would have to be fiscally disciplined given that the state will have a new governor in January and the state’s budget outlook is uncertain.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of uncertain
Adjective
  • However, Aldighieri advises marketers to be careful when changing tack.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 30 July 2026
  • But Yoon is careful, with his characteristically spare, visceral imagery, to establish Etna’s early happiness.
    — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Global oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a pause in fighting between the United States and Iran, though traders remain wary.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • The campaign has taken the protests demanding accountability and education reforms beyond the streets, broadening its reach and intensifying pressure on a government wary of appearing to yield to a rapidly growing youth movement.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of wary

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skeptic
skeptical
skeptically
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Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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