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

It’s why he was skeptical when a local travel coach contacted him, raving about a huge sixth grader he knew had the tools to be great.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When news broke of her career pivot, designers were skeptical.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Between the EPP and other blocs on the right, a majority in the Parliament are at least somewhat skeptical of the EU’s climate agenda.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

While companies face “intense pressure” from investors to deliver competitive advantages via AI, many of their tech leaders remain skeptical.

Read more on MarketWatch

But bankers and lawyers are now skeptical of the timeline.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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