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 Given pro wrestling's history of temporary retirements and Lesnar's unpredictable nature, many remain skeptical this will be his final exit. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Post-revolution, even skeptical Syrians say that should this parliament fail, the public still has leverage. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026 Democrats expect Stevens to run strong in this district in her Senate race, but are skeptical that Thanedar can hold on. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026 This page is always skeptical when a nanny-state government tries to meddle in people’s lives. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 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
  • Federal agents in plainclothes flagged Taele on Saturday after deeming his activities at the golf course suspicious, the department said in a statement.
    — Hannah Knowles, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Disconnect the device from the internet, run a full antivirus or anti-malware scan and delete any suspicious downloads.
    — Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • So the audience is all the time in and out, unsure what is performance.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Lawrence’s gravity makes rushing from the outside all the more devastating, doubly so if linemen are unsure who is coming or dropping.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsure
Adjective
  • Partners and distributors are being more cautious because Anta prefers a direct-to-consumer model, Hoeld said.
    — Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • While inflation remains volatile across countries, influencing cautious planning, salary increases are relatively high compared to pre-pandemic norms.
    — John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • As for other returnees to Basic Instinct, Eszterhas was doubtful that Paul Verhoeven would return to direct, but expressed his hope that the filmmaker would come aboard.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
  • Small Wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 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
  • All available polling data indicates that the public mood in Russia is growing more uncertain and anxious.
    — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
  • But advocates like Amy Behnke, who leads the Health Center Association of Nebraska, said the state's notices were confusing and left many low-income people uncertain if the new rules apply to them.
    — Julie Wernau, NPR, 31 July 2026
Definition of uncertain
Adjective
  • South Korea’s finance minister has apologized for launching the riskier products without careful consideration.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Regulators have been careful to note that the action targets concentrated and synthetic products, not natural leaf containing trace amounts.
    — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Tokyo has grown increasingly wary of the yen's decline, which recently dropped to its weakest level against the dollar in nearly four decades.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • With some wary residents questioning whether Ebola even exists, and health workers in one of Congo’s most remote and volatile regions struggling to respond to the outbreak with few supplies, pregnant women have less care than ever.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of skeptical for Spanish Speakers

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