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

• disbeliever
• doubter
• doubting Thomas
• questioner
• unbeliever

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

Some skeptics suggested that corporate statements about racial justice were just window dressing. —Donald T. Tomaskovic-Devey, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025

What Dolphins critics, skeptics need to focus on in 2025 is the team that is put around him. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025

Measles: Doctors in West Texas are seeing measles patients whose illnesses have been complicated by an alternative therapy endorsed by vaccine skeptics including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary. —Chris Buckley, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025

Hulu’s newest drama is helmed by a real-life story about a woman whose adoptive parents were the ultimate skeptics. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 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