1
as in suspicious
inclined to doubt or question claims
it's good to be skeptical about what you see on TV
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
I'm a little skeptical of this low bid, since it's way below what the other contractors said that they would charge
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Recent Examples of skeptical
Soldiers could use the devices in the field, although Gasson remains skeptical even of that .
—
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
In no time she is noticed and hits the regional boxing circuit, soon hooking up with a trainer who was at first skeptical but not for long.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Tillis questioned whether Kennedy is too committed to his skeptical view of vaccines to consider alternative viewpoints objectively.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Sep. 2025
The stats show family members are similarly skeptical of its utility.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
In no time she is noticed and hits the regional boxing circuit, soon hooking up with a trainer who was at first skeptical but not for long.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Tillis questioned whether Kennedy is too committed to his skeptical view of vaccines to consider alternative viewpoints objectively.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Sep. 2025
The stats show family members are similarly skeptical of its utility.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
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Now in season 5, the mystery continues with the suspicious death of Lester (Teddy Coluca), the Arconia’s doorman.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
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More Evan Bernstein/Getty Images Point guard Terry Rozier, who has only a partial guarantee on his contract for 2025-26, remains under federal investigation for suspicious gambling activity, per ESPN's David Purdum.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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She was frustrated by Highmark’s denials and unsure if her last resort, the external appeal, would yield results.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
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Daniel Palencia left Sunday’s 6-3 loss to the Nationals after giving up 5 runs with a right posterior shoulder injury, and Counsell was still unsure the next day whether Palencia could return before the end of the regular season.—
Jared Wyllys,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The duo have been cautious in their classification, allowing for the possibility that a torus of material could be behind the observations.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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But being cautious doesn’t mean ignoring the risks.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Rookie Jordan James is doubtful, and Shanahan acknowledged that practice-squad rusher Sincere McCormick could get elevated if needed.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
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Ekwonu ‘doubtful’ for Panthers in Week 1 Left tackle Ickey Ekwonu (appendectomy) practiced in a limited capacity on Friday.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Out of towners may be incredulous about Charlotte’s Chinese food scene, but tens of thousands of Asian Charlotteans know where to go — they just might be tightlipped about it.—
Shindy Chen,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
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Stephen Shore says, sounding a little incredulous.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In a fast-paced, digital, and uncertain world, wallpaper offers both emotional and sensory reprieve.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
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Right now, midfield, where Joe Willock’s long-term future is uncertain, and up front remain areas which could be improved upon.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Both coaches and players have been respectful of the other team all week, careful not to produce any bulletin board material.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
5 Sep. 2025
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Ben Lewis Doherty, playing a boy named Sam whose life is upended by Robbie, is the show’s greatest innocent, a softhearted moppet who warns deer to be careful when crossing the street.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Other than in the Second Circuit, the federal courts of appeals generally have interpreted the Confrontation Clause to require face-to-face cross examination, and counsel should be wary of giving up that important right.—
Robert Anello,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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For decades, educators have been wary of the decline in critical thinking and its impact on undermining the very purpose of education.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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