unbelieving

adjective

ˌən-bə-ˈlē-viŋ How to pronounce unbelieving (audio)
Definition of unbelievingnext
as in skeptical
inclined to doubt or question claims unbelieving scientists who demand that all phenomena be subjected to rigorous scientific scrutiny

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unbelieving One day, the elusive Seth meets the equally alluring but totally living doctor Maggie (Meg Ryan), who is suspicious and unbelieving of the mystical wonders of this world. — Nathan Smith, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024 He was told that unbelieving boys and girls in short dresses and naked arms met in these places and fell in love. — The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2022 Discipleship, ministry and mission all happened in homes as families lived out their faith in Jesus in the midst of an unbelieving world. — The Rev. Bill Thomas, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 12 Dec. 2020 But the unbelieving or skeptical child, with no great desire to change his life, felt abandoned by those who should have been in charge, and wondered furtively at the authority of that divine command. — James Wood, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2020 The story centers on two scientists who, upon discovering that a meteor will strike the Earth in six months, go on a media tour to try to warn the world but find an unreceptive and unbelieving populace. — Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbelieving
  1. skeptical
  2. suspicious
  3. disbelieving
  4. cautious
  5. incredulous
Adjective
  • In one image, Grande’s Olivia Jones stands beside De Niro’s Byrnes, who wears a decidedly skeptical expression, her hand resting on his German shepherd.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Jorge Piñón, an energy researcher at the University of Texas at Austin, is skeptical of the data and noted that only sanctioned Cuban state energy company CUPET has the capacity to store such a large quantity of fuel in one month.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of skeptical
Adjective
  • Strong antivirus software can help detect malicious downloads, suspicious links and other threats that may show up in follow-up scams.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Abby became suspicious of Kuehl during a private conversation about possible traitors in the group.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • During one scene, Scherrman appears for a few seconds as the catcher in a game interrupted by Timothy Busfield, the disbelieving brother-in-law of Kevin Costner's character Ray Kinsella.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • During one scene, Scherrman appears for a few seconds as the catcher in a game interrupted by Timothy Busfield, the disbelieving brother-in-law of Kevin Costner’s character Ray Kinsella.
    — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of disbelieving
Adjective
  • The actors Nael Nacer and Artemis Pebdani double as Haddad’s great-aunt and -uncle and parents, playing across a spectrum of discomfort and cautious support.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Feigenbaum offered a more cautious interpretation, describing some of the violent perpetrators as fringe provocateurs who exploit broader demonstrations without necessarily directing them.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • The title comes from a phrase that became part of his creative vocabulary and began appearing in sketches whenever an absurd situation called for a perfectly incredulous response.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Girot’s son-in-law, a physician, was incredulous and ordered him to see his primary-care doctor.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of incredulous

Browse Nearby Words

unbelievers
unbelieving
unbelievingly
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Cite this Entry

“Unbelieving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbelieving. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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