1
as in suspicious
inclined to doubt or question claims
it's good to be skeptical about what you see on TV
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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
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Recent Examples of skeptical
In a statement, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Chris Swonger appeared skeptical about the tangible impacts Canada's tariff reversal would have without action from provinces to restart the import of American spirits.
—
Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Aug. 2025
Many Russians were skeptical of me at first, too.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 Aug. 2025
However, Trackhouse Racing, which partners with the 19-year-old driver for select Cup Series entries, revealed a skeptical stance about Zilisch's racing return.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Marilyn Gooch was already skeptical about one of her newest neighbors, xAI’s supercomputing facility, when her cousin walked across the street in June with a blue mailer from the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Aug. 2025
Many Russians were skeptical of me at first, too.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 Aug. 2025
However, Trackhouse Racing, which partners with the 19-year-old driver for select Cup Series entries, revealed a skeptical stance about Zilisch's racing return.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Marilyn Gooch was already skeptical about one of her newest neighbors, xAI’s supercomputing facility, when her cousin walked across the street in June with a blue mailer from the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
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These advanced capabilities can detect an individual crossing a virtual boundary, expose suspicious loitering or unusual motion patterns across vast areas and even recognize unknown faces in high-security zones.—
Michael Evanoff,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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The 63-year-old Plainfield man died from drowning but the manner of his suspicious death was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner’ office.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The footage revealed a canine still deeply affected by past experiences, unsure of his safety even outdoors, and in the company of his new owner.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
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Her team feels valued but adrift, unsure what matters most.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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However, with the growth of social media and consumer advocacy, retailers are being more cautious about communications to prevent backfiring, not only from investors and analysts but from their core customer base.—
Shelley E. Kohan,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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And then finally, layoffs…If prices rise, consumers grow more cautious.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Initially listed as doubtful, the first-round pick is expected to return later this week when Dallas faces the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday and the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, according to Dallas Hoops Journal.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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But industry followers are doubtful that the box office buzz will lead to a strategy shift toward theatrical releases for Netflix.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Out of towners may be incredulous about Charlotte’s Chinese food scene, but tens of thousands of Asian Charlotteans know where to go — they just might be tightlipped about it.—
Shindy Chen,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
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Stephen Shore says, sounding a little incredulous.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In a fast-paced, digital, and uncertain world, wallpaper offers both emotional and sensory reprieve.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
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Right now, midfield, where Joe Willock’s long-term future is uncertain, and up front remain areas which could be improved upon.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Both coaches and players have been respectful of the other team all week, careful not to produce any bulletin board material.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
5 Sep. 2025
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Ben Lewis Doherty, playing a boy named Sam whose life is upended by Robbie, is the show’s greatest innocent, a softhearted moppet who warns deer to be careful when crossing the street.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Consumers who have already grown weary of the rising cost of living, such as higher utility bills, are also wary of potential price increases from higher tariffs, Furman said.—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
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Researchers caution consumers to be wary of misleading advertising on cereal boxes and to check nutrition labels.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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