skeptical

Or scep·ti·cal

[skep-ti-kuhl]

adjective

1. inclined to skepticism; having an attitude of doubt.

   a skeptical young woman who will question whatever you say.

   Synonyms: skeptic

2. doubtful about a particular thing.

   My teacher thinks I can get a scholarship, but I'm skeptical.

3. showing doubt.

   a skeptical smile.

4. denying or questioning the tenets of a religion.

   a skeptical approach to the nature of miracles.

   Synonyms: unbelieving

5. (initial capital letter),  of or relating to Skeptics or Skepticism.

Other Word Forms

• skeptically adverb
• skepticalness noun
• antiskeptical adjective
• nonskeptical adjective
• overskeptical adjective
• overskeptically adverb
• overskepticalness noun
• unskeptical adjective
• unskeptically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of skeptical¹

First recorded in 1630–40; skeptic + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See doubtful.

Example Sentences

“I’m very skeptical that progress looks like maintaining reliance on gas plants,” said Julia Dowell, a senior campaign organizer with the Sierra Club.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But some community banks are skeptical of the proposal, said Christopher Williston, chief executive of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, which counts many smaller banks among its members.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Naturally, everyone is skeptical that Washington’s sanctions are serious.

Read more on Barron's

It would be quite the irony if the public equity markets, often criticized as being too short-term or too bullish, have adopted a more skeptical and very-long-term perspective on private managers themselves.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Now that it’s been empty for so long, Shelton is skeptical the lighthouse can be restored, despite the devotion of volunteers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• doubtful 
• dubious 
• incredulous 
• mistrustful 
• suspicious 
• unconvinced