1
as in suspicious
inclined to doubt or question claims
it's good to be skeptical about what you see on TV
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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
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Recent Examples of skeptical
Meanwhile, Israeli officials appeared skeptical the pact will hold.
—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Citrinowicz, the Iran expert, sounded more skeptical.
—
Ruth Margalit,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
Accursio said the majority of his fellow residents were skeptical of the agritourism district when it was proposed.
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Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
Despite the buzz, Clausen and Bird are remaining healthily skeptical of whether this movie will launch them to overnight fame.
—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Citrinowicz, the Iran expert, sounded more skeptical.
—
Ruth Margalit,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
Accursio said the majority of his fellow residents were skeptical of the agritourism district when it was proposed.
—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
Despite the buzz, Clausen and Bird are remaining healthily skeptical of whether this movie will launch them to overnight fame.
—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
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Reynoso said suspicious bank activity and withdrawals were made to their accounts.
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Be highly suspicious of content that offers simple, absolute solutions to complex medical conditions.
Adjective
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Public Health staff said the majority of cases were among people who were unvaccinated or unsure they were vaccinated.
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Graves said authorities are unsure at this time how Sanchez-Munoz may have been able to get out of the house.
Adjective
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Berkeley adopted a more cautious approach.
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The data also points to a more cautious approach to automation than much of the AI industry’s messaging might suggest.
Adjective
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Three centuries later, the librarians of Alexandria took charge of the text, collating competing versions, marking doubtful lines, imposing a measure of order on the teeming verses.
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Sounding doubtful and defeated, Jessica hung up.
Adjective
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On several occasions throughout the game, Lakers players were incredulous after calls – or non-calls – from the crew.
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On several occasions, Lakers players were incredulous after calls — or no-calls — from the crew.
Adjective
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For now, advocates say preparation and persistence are critical as the community faces an uncertain future.
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The bold story choice, which reunites the staff for what may be their final kitchen service as the restaurant faces an uncertain future, was met with enthusiasm from the cast.
Adjective
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China walked a careful diplomatic line during the conflict.
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All that plus nightly turndown service and 24-hour room service reflect the careful attention paid to guests at Moon Palace The Grand—Cancun.
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Ana Hernandez, a Pico Gardens resident, is wary of stakeholders behind the BID proposal.
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Travelers, beware jet skis in the Bahamas Travelers are being warned to be wary of jet ski excursions in the Bahamas, a popular cruise and vacation destination for Americans.
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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