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

Many mainstream experts have been drawing from the same playbook that COVID skeptics used at the height of the pandemic. —Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025

In a last-ditch effort, Dorothy and George’s daughter Jean Kennedy, 71, who believes in the supernatural, persuaded Michael, a skeptic, to accompany her to a psychic reading in 2010. —Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025

But Ellison and his management team have been moving fast to revitalize Paramount and disprove skeptics across Hollywood. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025

Kennedy is a longtime skeptic of vaccines and advocate for parental rights. —Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

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