skeptical
or scep·ti·cal
[skep-ti-kuh l]
- inclined to skepticism; having an attitude of doubt: a skeptical young woman who will question whatever you say.
- doubtful about a particular thing: My teacher thinks I can get a scholarship, but I'm skeptical.
- showing doubt: a skeptical smile.
- denying or questioning the tenets of a religion: a skeptical approach to the nature of miracles.
- (initial capital letter) of or relating to Skeptics or Skepticism.
Show More
Origin of skeptical
Synonyms
See more synonyms for skeptical on Thesaurus.com1. skeptic. 4. unbelieving.
Synonym study
1. See doubtful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for skeptical
Contemporary Examples
As Ackerman pointed out, all scientists are skeptics; skeptical doubt is a part of the scientific method.
I have to admit, I was skeptical about True Detective from the start.
For days the Kurds have insisted to skeptical journalists, including myself, that Kobani would hold.
Postol and Lloyd were skeptical; hexamine is a common precursor chemical for military-grade explosives.
As one article critical of skeptical discussion of SCT makes clear, it is a long way from becoming a widely accepted diagnosis.
Historical Examples
He said it with heartiness and apparent sincerity, but Sears was skeptical.
Fair HarborJoseph Crosby Lincoln
Allow me to be skeptical, as I have considerable acquaintance there.
The StrollersFrederic S. Isham
Skeptical, like a good many others, we were loth to experiment.
But his skeptical manner only threw Stuart more off his balance.
Plotting in Pirate SeasFrancis Rolt-Wheeler
Felipe can establish his relationship beyond the doubt of the most skeptical.
Frank Merriwell's PursuitBurt L. Standish
Word Origin and History for skeptical
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper