skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl 

: relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism

a skeptical listener

skeptically

ˈskep-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• disbelieving
• distrustful
• doubting
• incredulous
• mistrustful
• negativistic
• questioning
• show-me
• suspecting
• suspicious
• unbelieving

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

The Federal Trade Commission under President Trump is beefing up its staff with a string of new hires who are skeptical of Big Tech. —Marc Caputo, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025

Joel Corry, a former agent who covers NFL contracts and the salary cap for CBS Sports, is skeptical of a quick resolution. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025

Rarer are those agency actions that are blocked because a court is skeptical of policymakers' motives. —Christina Gatti, NPR, 8 Feb. 2025

At least Gabbard will bring her strong patriotism to her daily briefings of Trump and will be skeptical of moves to expand the government to combat real and perceived threats. —John Seiler, Orange County Register, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl 

: relating to or marked by doubt

skeptically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb