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.
Be skeptical of anyone who promises immediate cleanup or immediate repairs. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 Trump’s diverging views on foreign policy President-elect Donald Trump has been skeptical of U.S. alliances, including NATO and defense partnerships in the Asia-Pacific, all of which the Biden team has worked to shore up over the past four years. Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 Traffic experts are skeptical that longer prison sentences will act as a deterrent, given that most drivers won’t even know the penalty for committing a hit-and-run crash. Ryan Lillis, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025 Hobson’s publisher and friend, Richard Simon of Simon & Schuster, was also skeptical. Rachel Gordan, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near skeptical

Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptical. Accessed 22 Jan. 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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