Synonyms of skeptical

skeptical

adjective

ˈskep-ti-kəl 

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

• suspicious
• cautious
• incredulous
• careful
• wary
• doubting
• questioning
• distrustful
• disbelieving
• mistrustful
• unbelieving
• show-me
• cynical
• negativistic
• paranoid
• curious
• suspecting
• leery
• puzzled
• unsure
• quizzical
• experienced
• unconvinced
• hesitant
• watchful
• critical
• inquisitive
• guarded
• uncertain
• gun-shy
• sophisticated
• undecided
• worldly
• nosy
• knowing
• worldly-wise
• undetermined
• inquiring
• unsettled
• snoopy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• credulous
• gullible
• uncritical
• naive
• trusting
• trustful
• unquestioning
• confident
• unsophisticated
• positive
• sure
• green
• certain
• simple
• ingenuous
• innocent
• wide-eyed
• unknowing
• unworldly
• simpleminded
• inexperienced
• idealistic
• impractical
• raw
• childlike
• callow
• deceived
• careless
• unsuspecting
• unsuspicious
• unwary
• heedless
• duped
• tricked
• beguiled
• gulled

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

• unsure
• suspicious
• doubtful
• uncertain
• unconvinced
• dubious
• unsettled
• distrustful
• mistrustful
• hesitant
• undecided
• ambivalent
• on the fence
• conflicted
• hinky
• trustless
• equivocal
• insecure
• diffident
• irresolute
• indecisive
• wavering
• vacillating
• halting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• positive
• certain
• sure
• convinced
• confident
• sanguine
• assured
• decisive
• determined
• resolute
• self-assured

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of skeptical

The three-judge panel appeared skeptical of AFPF’s request for a preliminary injunction, asking why the law, which has been effective since 2012, must be immediately halted before full arguments on its constitutionality. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026

Crowley’s position, meanwhile, is less restrictive but still skeptical. — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

In the sketch, Washington’s announcement prompts a skeptical colonist (David) to imagine a future leader who ignores the Constitution, uses the presidency for personal gain and seeks to remain in power. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026

Bret Peyton at Alaska Airlines says dispatchers there were skeptical, too. — Joel Rose, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026