skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
: 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.
These regions were often skeptical of centralized power, and reformers pushed for tools like the initiative and referendum to give citizens a way to bypass political machines and corporate influence. Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 30 May 2025 It will be decided on by a conservative-majority Supreme Court that has been skeptical of considerations of race in public life. David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025 Kim Moon-soo, the former labor minister in Yoon’s government who opposed impeachment, was nominated and eventually secured the spot, but not before overcoming an internal upheaval by party leaders who were skeptical of Kim’s competitiveness in the general election. Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025 Most Americans are skeptical of the government’s stance on the emergence of COVID-19, according to new polling. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 29 May 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 Jun. 2025.

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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