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
While the ruse was going, Schreiner lashed out at anyone who was skeptical.
—
Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Deeply opposed to lockdowns and highly skeptical of the effectiveness of masking, Bhattacharya, then a Stanford Medical School professor, took to writing and speaking out on social media.
—Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
Some were skeptical of the gut-cleansing claims.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Despite Strobel’s reassurances — and a 10 percent increase in revenues in Coty’s core prestige fragrance category from 2021 to 2025 — analysts are still fairly skeptical, needing to see proof that the turnaround strategy is working in order to regain confidence in the company.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Deeply opposed to lockdowns and highly skeptical of the effectiveness of masking, Bhattacharya, then a Stanford Medical School professor, took to writing and speaking out on social media.
—Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
Some were skeptical of the gut-cleansing claims.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Despite Strobel’s reassurances — and a 10 percent increase in revenues in Coty’s core prestige fragrance category from 2021 to 2025 — analysts are still fairly skeptical, needing to see proof that the turnaround strategy is working in order to regain confidence in the company.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
-
The Gallup poll now departs for the same Valhalla as the big three broadcast networks, bowling leagues, and roast beef for Sunday dinner—institutions that were once almost universally accepted but did not survive in a more divided and mutually suspicious America.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
-
My father was a convenience store owner, so convenience stores were both very familiar to me and at the same time rather suspicious.—
Blake Simons,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Those who are not immunized or are unsure of their status should monitor themselves closely for signs of infection.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
But that was with an aluminum bat, and with a line-drive swing, scouts were unsure if his power would translate to the pros.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Most of North and Central Texas shouldbe cautious with burning on Thursday, but the wildfire threat is less severe.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Injury report Heat forward Pelle Larsson is listed as doubtful for Sunday at Washington due to the elbow contusion sustained in Friday night’s loss in Boston, keeping him out for that second half.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
But even if measles’ severe outcomes were more common, Limaye and others were doubtful that many more Americans would be moved to act.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The information came from Toyota, a rep explained to the incredulous Siefke.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The Canadian curlers looked incredulous and angry.—
STEVE DOUGLAS,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But like the British wartime leader who also led his country’s fight against a bigger, more powerful enemy, Zelensky has made missteps along the way and his future looks increasingly uncertain as the war grinds on.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Husband cleared, but path forward uncertain Judge Barry Wood of Idaho’s 5th Judicial District granted the defense’s alternative perpetrator theory for trial in a November 2025 order.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Stirring frequently, cook until garlic is a deep golden brown, being careful not to burn it, about 5 minutes.—
C.W. Cameron,
AJC.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Once the heavy portion is removed, finish with a clean cut where the branch meets the trunk, being careful not to injure the branch collar.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the calm, residents remained wary of the media frenzy the neighborhood had seen for several weeks, illustrated by a sign posted on a pole down the street from Guthrie’s house.—
Helen Rummel,
AZCentral.com,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Many American firms, wary of corruption and instability, decided to stay away from business dealings in the region.—
Nicolas Niarchos,
Vanity Fair,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
