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 Some donors were initially skeptical that aid could reach those who needed it without being stolen or misused by a notoriously corrupt government, Capponi said. — Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 The former commitment has drawn criticism from some in the industry who are skeptical the company can maintain that output. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026 Critics give this a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences are a bit more skeptical at 62%. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026 But Fisher, the Sierra County sheriff, was skeptical of their effectiveness. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 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
  • Review your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.
    — Brian Sloan,Dan Avery, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • Some doubt whether the model can survive here, let alone be exported to countries that are larger, less homogeneous and more suspicious of taxation.
    — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • Giblin is unsure what will happen to the pavilion when the church takes over.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
  • Both playing with the same goal in mind, still unsure if there will be a Heat future for one, both or neither, after the two finished this past season on the Heat roster, Keels on a two-way deal, Young on a standard contract.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2026
Definition of unsure
Adjective
  • Teams are generally more cautious about cooling the legs, however, because cold applied directly to working muscles immediately before a match can temporarily blunt explosive actions such as sprinting.
    — Alan McCall, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • Legal experts said the slow pace reflects a cautious approach by Graf and the large volume of evidence.
    — Hannah Schoenbaum, Chicago Tribune, 11 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
  • After careful physical analysis of six ancient princesses buried beneath the pyramids at Dahshur, researchers now have an answer.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 July 2026
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • But be wary of high heat forecast for Washington this weekend, as event schedules are subject to change amid sweltering temperatures.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Iran may also be wary of attacks by the exiled Mujahadin-e Khalq (MeK), which Iran accuses of carrying out attacks inside Iran over several decades.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of wary

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skeptical
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Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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