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
Be skeptical if an online relationship quickly turns into requests for money.
—
Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
Many grownups are skeptical of AI.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Hispanic voters are heading into the 2026 midterm elections feeling economically squeezed and increasingly skeptical of the direction of the country.
—Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Industry veterans are skeptical oil flows will quickly return to prewar levels.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
Many grownups are skeptical of AI.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Hispanic voters are heading into the 2026 midterm elections feeling economically squeezed and increasingly skeptical of the direction of the country.
—Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Industry veterans are skeptical oil flows will quickly return to prewar levels.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
-
The duo first appear in parodied versions of the Longlegs roles originated by Blair Underwood and Maika Monroe midway through Scary Movie, standing by as their fellow officers are sent off after a suspicious perp.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
-
The Bahraini military urged residents to exercise caution around any unfamiliar or suspicious objects that may have fallen as a result of the attacks and to report them immediately to authorities.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
When Arkansas implemented Medicaid work requirements in 2018, a Harvard survey found that more than 70% of affected residents remained unsure whether the policy was in place, even after the state sent nearly 600,000 letters, made 230,000 phone calls, and published hundreds of social media posts.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
Maradona, for his part, repeatedly backheeled the ball while sprinting at full pelt, leaving England defenders unsure whether to follow the player or the ball.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
The move suggests a broader shift in Tehran, where a new generation of leaders is increasingly abandoning the cautious, reactive approach that long defined the Islamic Republic’s strategy towards its adversaries.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
10 June 2026
-
Ciara is very cautious and played it slow in opening her heart up to West.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Public approval is doubtful as New Yorkers ratified this structure in 2014 and rejected an attempt to change it in 2021.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
-
There is some irony in that Donachie also coaches Barcelona’s Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford, for whom a permanent move to the Camp Nou now looks doubtful after his England team-mate’s arrival.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
On several occasions, Lakers players were incredulous after calls — or no-calls — from the crew.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Between Richards’ health, Ream’s age and the uncertain roles of McKenzie and Robinson, center back is the USMNT’s most fluid position.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
-
The fate of roughly $2 billion annually that was intended to help reduce wildfire risk, promote clean water and build affordable housing, along with other efforts across California, is uncertain as the Legislature races to pass a state budget by Monday.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Backfill with soil, being careful not to place the soil against the stem, as this can cause rot.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
-
Every Jantzen suit is crafted for a variety of body types with careful attention to support, coverage and ease of movement.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Beijing is widely seen to be wary of that program, which has traditionally heightened American focus on the region and risks instability that could impact China, which shares a border with North Korea.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
-
Separately, some remain wary of the consequences of redundancies across certain functions.—
Meg Short,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
