skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
Synonyms of skepticalnext
: 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.
Demographers and policy analysts remain skeptical that taxing contraceptives will meaningfully raise birth rates. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026 Some Kremlin-watchers are skeptical about Putin accepting a deal that would cross any of his red lines. Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025 Julian Hanich, professor of film studies at the University of Groningen, is equally skeptical. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2025 This rift is felt particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, generations that grew up online, are accustomed to second-screen verification and skeptical of traditional authority. Robert Pearl, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptical. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.

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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