skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
Synonyms of skeptical
: relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism
a skeptical listener
skeptically
ˈskep-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of skeptical

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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.
The frustration at the chargers has unraveled in a city where officials were skeptical of Waymo before its launch. — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 Many inside the administration are skeptical about resuming military operations against Iran. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026 Heytens was deeply skeptical that the Virginia law purporting to regulate federal officers passes constitutional muster. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026 And Senator Darline Graham’s brother, Lindsey Graham, had a complicated relationship with some Republicans who were skeptical of his views on foreign policy and immigration. — New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for skeptical

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Browse Nearby Words

skeptic
skeptical
skepticism
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Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptical. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

skeptical

adjective
skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
: relating to or marked by doubt
skeptically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
adverb
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