skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
Synonyms of skeptical
: relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism
a skeptical listener
skeptically
ˈskep-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of skeptical

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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
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.
But some investors remain skeptical about the company’s future growth. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Previously, most Iranians were skeptical of the Islamic Republic’s claim that the United States was bent on their country’s destruction and in fact hoped Tehran would seek better relations with Washington. — Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026 Psychologists and handwriting historians alike are skeptical of the field of graphology, but those who specialize in the discipline did offer some thoughts. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 In an interview with REGARD magazine, Casse said other industry figures had been skeptical of the horse. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skeptical

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeptical was in 1639

Rhymes for skeptical

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Browse Nearby Words

skeptic
skeptical
skepticism
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Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptical. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

skeptical

adjective
skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
: relating to or marked by doubt
skeptically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
adverb
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