skeptical

adjective

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

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.
Moscow does not publicize its military losses, and analysts are skeptical of casualty reports from both sides. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 Residents who are still skeptical of the police department's effectiveness were frustrated Thursday night by continued issues of homeless encampments and substance use. Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024 Many are skeptical of the cheap cable locks that come with new guns. John Diedrich, Journal Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024 Always be skeptical of any answers provided by generative AI (other concerns are the potential of AI confabulations or referred to as AI hallucinations, see my discussion at the link here). Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near skeptical

Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptical. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

skeptical

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

More from Merriam-Webster on skeptical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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