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 Much of Hollywood is critical of the technology and skeptical of the larger companies in the space. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 Skeptical scientists Clark recalled that many members of the scientific community were skeptical when geochemists pointed out that certain minerals can cause a similar response. — Leonard David, Space.com, 20 July 2026 The Fantastic Four are skeptical to meet the Thunderbolts who are actually the New Avengers. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 July 2026 That’s the stronger argument for clean energy, one which appeals to a much broader audience, including the people who are often the most skeptical. — Alan Byrd, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 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
  • But both shows are deeply suspicious of corporate infiltration of the government and how capitalists exploit xenophobia to gain power in America.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • The challenge is that large organizations are typically suspicious of people with an explorer's style of passion.
    — John Hagel, Time, 22 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
  • At a time when global fashion is navigating economic uncertainty, shifting supply chains and cautious consumer spending, one country is making an unmistakably confident statement.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Those with underlying health conditions like asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or who are pregnant need to be extra cautious about breathing in wildfire smoke.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • Small Wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Reece James and Jarell Quansah are both doubtful due to injury, and Tino Livramento is out of the tournament entirely.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 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
  • From premium pet food to medical care Whether GLP-1 drugs eventually become commonplace in veterinary medicine remains uncertain.
    — Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
  • The young Brits' last year in secondary school finds Charlie starting a pride club, Nick worrying about an uncertain future, and both considering the impact of long-distance love.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of uncertain
Adjective
  • But the series is careful to cast suspicions in a multitude of directions, not merely at Michael but at several people in Sarah’s orbit who only reveal themselves when backed into corners.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • Since pilot and crew remains may also still be buried underground, careful excavation work is even more important.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 July 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Others like Cotton were reminded of past natural disasters, leaving them wary of stepping outside.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Such outlets may become wary of pursuing stories that could put them in the Administration’s crosshairs.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
Definition of wary

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Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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