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

Or will the world need to wait until the 2030s or beyond, as skeptics maintain. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 June 2024

Without robust enforcement, skeptics argue, the code may lack the teeth needed to truly hold Justices accountable for ethical breaches. —Nik Popli, TIME, 30 May 2024

Still, for this to have happened in Portland of all places is remarkable and telling, and ought to confirm for the remaining skeptics that, even in this fractious moment in our history, crime remains a fundamentally pre-political question. —The Editors, National Review, 23 May 2024

That possibility becomes his fascination, as Fawcett and his men embark on multiple expeditions over the years to the displeasure of skeptics in his community. —Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 14 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

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