skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl 

: relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism

a skeptical listener

skeptically

ˈskep-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• suspicious
• cautious
• incredulous
• careful
• wary
• doubting
• questioning
• distrustful
• disbelieving
• mistrustful

Examples of skeptical in a Sentence

She's highly skeptical of the researchers' claims.

He says he can win, but I remain skeptical.

When I said I'd finished my homework early, Mom looked skeptical.

Recent Examples on the Web

Heart Age May Not Be the Perfect Metric However, some experts are more skeptical. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 9 Aug. 2025

Not only are voters more skeptical of media reports and talking points, OBBBA supporters have much more time to counter misinformation than was the case with the TCJA. —Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Analysts are skeptical that the partnership could substantially improve Corning’s revenue. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2025

Sometimes people give the court observers a skeptical look and decline to share their information. —Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for skeptical

• sceptical
• receptacle

Kids Definition

skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl 

: relating to or marked by doubt

skeptically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb