1
as in suspicious
inclined to doubt or question claims
it's good to be skeptical about what you see on TV
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
I'm a little skeptical of this low bid, since it's way below what the other contractors said that they would charge
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of skeptical
Stephen Walt says Trump should be skeptical of U.S. adventures abroad.
—
Greg Myre, NPR, 28 May 2025
Hoda Kotb, veteran cohost of the Today show, was skeptical but willing to try it.
—Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 28 May 2025
However, Senate Republicans have been skeptical of a blanket adoption of the measures in the chamber’s government funding bills for 2026.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 27 May 2025
But to others, the move indicated that some lawmakers remain skeptical of spending so much on the program.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Greg Myre, NPR, 28 May 2025
Hoda Kotb, veteran cohost of the Today show, was skeptical but willing to try it.
—Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 28 May 2025
However, Senate Republicans have been skeptical of a blanket adoption of the measures in the chamber’s government funding bills for 2026.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 27 May 2025
But to others, the move indicated that some lawmakers remain skeptical of spending so much on the program.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
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There was no indication of suspicious activity and no danger to the public, police said.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
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On Wednesday, an investigator spied a suspicious drone over the detention center shortly before 3 a.m. and tracked it to a landing spot on top of an SUV parked just down the road.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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Researchers are still unsure of the exact cause of a water allergy.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
23 May 2025
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And for some students at the start of their academic and professional careers, the latest development leaves them unsure about what to do next.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Younger teammates were cautious to approach him, mindful of his intense dedication to his process and wary of disrupting it.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Allen set a course record in the victory and sent a postcard to her doubtful doctor afterward.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
25 May 2025
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The marathon meeting came and went as House Republican leaders are looking to get the Trump agenda bill through the chamber by Memorial Day, an ambitious timeline that some lawmakers are doubtful of.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Miller, who had been at the heart of the rivalry, authored one of the most incredulous comebacks in NBA playoff history.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
21 May 2025
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Joel is incredulous, which only fuels Ellie’s anger further.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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This phenomenon has been further propelled by ongoing inflation, high interest rates, and an uncertain economic outlook.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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In the early, uncertain days of COVID-19, when people were told to stay home to save lives, Lightfoot chose compassion over citations.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 May 2025
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This thing is razor sharp though, be careful when using it in the backcountry.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Those in disaster-prone states, such as Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) in Florida, hold a pessimistic view of FEMA and are wary of affording it greater power.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
26 May 2025
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While some swear by the cleaning product for disinfecting their dishwasher, others may be wary and opt for something different.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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