skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

1

: an adherent or advocate of skepticism

2

: a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles

Synonyms of skeptic

• questioner

Examples of skeptic in a Sentence

Skeptics have pointed out flaws in the researchers' methods.

You can believe in ghosts if you like, but I'm still a skeptic.

He is a skeptic and a cynic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Burry has been among Wall Street’s most outspoken skeptics of the artificial intelligence boom, arguing that demand for AI infrastructure is being fueled by financing arrangements that may prove unsustainable. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Kennedy, who heads the Department of Health and Human Services that oversees the FDA, is a longtime skeptic of vaccines. — Alice Park, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

There might be a lot to love about a pattern sandwich, but skeptics might question its staying power. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026

Many skeptics see a contradiction in high-achieving, mostly white young voters employing rhetoric about labor and solidarity. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin or Greek; Latin scepticus, from Greek skeptikos, from skeptikos thoughtful, from skeptesthai to look, consider — more at spy

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for skeptic

• peptic
• sceptic
• septic
• antiepileptic
• antiseptic
• epileptic
• neuroleptic
• aseptic
• dyspeptic
• organoleptic

Kids Definition

skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

: a person slow to believe or ready to question : doubter