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

Vaccine skeptics have filed lawsuits against state and employer vaccine requirements citing religious freedoms and health concerns over the contents of the vaccines. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Even skeptics know the key personality traits of Zodiac signs: Virgos are fastidious, Scorpios can sting, and no matter how much fun Cancers have in the outside world, nothing beats a night in. —Pratyush Sarup, Architectural Digest, 14 Dec. 2024

Democrats make up the largest share of skeptics, with more than 80 percent being slightly or not at all confident in the president-elect’s ability to handle the issues. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024

Trump's doubled down on support for Hegseth, and pressure from his MAGA allies on potential GOP skeptics has shown early signs of paying off. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 12 Dec. 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