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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of skeptical
Be skeptical if an online relationship quickly turns into requests for money.
—
Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
Many grownups are skeptical of AI.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Hispanic voters are heading into the 2026 midterm elections feeling economically squeezed and increasingly skeptical of the direction of the country.
—Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Industry veterans are skeptical oil flows will quickly return to prewar levels.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
Many grownups are skeptical of AI.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Hispanic voters are heading into the 2026 midterm elections feeling economically squeezed and increasingly skeptical of the direction of the country.
—Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Industry veterans are skeptical oil flows will quickly return to prewar levels.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
-
The duo first appear in parodied versions of the Longlegs roles originated by Blair Underwood and Maika Monroe midway through Scary Movie, standing by as their fellow officers are sent off after a suspicious perp.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
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The Bahraini military urged residents to exercise caution around any unfamiliar or suspicious objects that may have fallen as a result of the attacks and to report them immediately to authorities.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
When Arkansas implemented Medicaid work requirements in 2018, a Harvard survey found that more than 70% of affected residents remained unsure whether the policy was in place, even after the state sent nearly 600,000 letters, made 230,000 phone calls, and published hundreds of social media posts.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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Maradona, for his part, repeatedly backheeled the ball while sprinting at full pelt, leaving England defenders unsure whether to follow the player or the ball.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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Americans are also increasingly cautious about where sensitive information like health data and financial records rest.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
3 June 2026
-
The current government led by Donald Tusk has been more cautious, speaking only about a bigger role in nuclear deterrence.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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There is some irony in that Donachie also coaches Barcelona’s Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford, for whom a permanent move to the Camp Nou now looks doubtful after his England team-mate’s arrival.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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McClure, of course, would love to see Steyer take the top spot in that easy-win scenario against Hilton, though that seems doubtful.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Adjective
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On several occasions throughout the game, Lakers players were incredulous after calls – or non-calls – from the crew.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
-
On several occasions, Lakers players were incredulous after calls — or no-calls — from the crew.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
The fate of the House bill is uncertain in the Senate.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
5 June 2026
-
And yet, the complex plot comes down to the bond between Albus and Scorpius, who are living in their fathers’ shadows, bullied and uncertain of themselves, as their connections with their dads falter.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Backfill with soil, being careful not to place the soil against the stem, as this can cause rot.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
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Every Jantzen suit is crafted for a variety of body types with careful attention to support, coverage and ease of movement.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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Michaels and other artists have said that they were misled about the theme of the shows or were otherwise wary of being caught up in a political fight.—
Jesse Bedayn,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
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Michaels and other artists have said that they were misled about the theme of the shows or were otherwise wary of being caught up in a political fight.—
Jesse Bedayn,
Fortune,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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