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
Relevance
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
When President Donald Trump‘s sweeping tariff regime finally faced its day in front of the Supreme Court, justices were skeptical.
—
Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
Among several polls, one from the Pew Research Center out earlier this year showed that conservatives under 50 were increasingly skeptical of Israel.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
However, international analysts remain skeptical due to the limited verifiable data.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
Southeast Mecklenburg also tends to be more conservative than other parts of the county, an electorate traditionally more generally skeptical of tax increases.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
Among several polls, one from the Pew Research Center out earlier this year showed that conservatives under 50 were increasingly skeptical of Israel.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
However, international analysts remain skeptical due to the limited verifiable data.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
Southeast Mecklenburg also tends to be more conservative than other parts of the county, an electorate traditionally more generally skeptical of tax increases.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
-
Homicide detectives deemed the death suspicious and began investigating.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Homicide investigators are investigating the circumstances of the death as suspicious based on the woman’s unexplained injuries.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
As Altadena rebuilds, Good Neighbor has, essentially, become a daily support group, where neighbors can find comfort and a sense of permanence when everything else is unsure.—
Esther Tseng,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Many men in the facility, like Chacón, were unsure why they were accused of terrorist activity, the story detailed.—
Tamia Fowlkes,
jsonline.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Fearing a spike in anti-Japanese sentiment ahead of the parade, the Japanese embassy in Beijing warned its citizens to stay cautious and avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public – perhaps mindful that in recent years, there has been a spate of violent attacks against Japanese nationals in China.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Crypto assets did rise modestly alongside other risk assets following signs of progress in Washington, but the broader tone remains cautious.—
Sidhartha Shukla,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Cornerback Rasul Douglas and edge rusher Chop Robinson are doubtful while four other players — running back Ollie Gordon II, tight end Julian Hill as well as safeties Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu — are questionable.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
-
If at any point María Luisa hesitated, doubtful about the tastefulness of this colossus, those doubts vanished the moment a representative of the city council delivered a witty and audacious explanation of the arch.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Even the most incredulous of us listened to him describe the visions of fleeting stars that were enchanting enough to swoon the most beautiful people on this poor Earth.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The Origin of the Moscow Mule The Moscow Mule has an incredulous origin story.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
At the moment, its age is still uncertain.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
-
How Barton will advance his campaigns now is uncertain.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Step by careful step, Holbrook climbed, holding out bologna and cheese until two pairs of cautious eyes peeked back.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Most Venezuelans who spoke to CNN in Caracas were wary of sharing their opinions publicly.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Republicans, meanwhile, remain wary of voting to extend the additional Obamacare subsidies, said Rodney Whitlock, a vice president at the McDermott+ consultancy who was a longtime congressional staffer and advises on health care policy.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share