skeptical

[ skep-ti-kuhl ]

/ ˈskɛp tɪ kəl /

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.

Nearby words

First recorded in 1630–40; skeptic + -al¹

SYNONYMS FOR skeptical

Related forms

skep·ti·cal·ly, adverbskep·ti·cal·ness, nounan·ti·skep·ti·cal, adjectivenon·skep·ti·cal, adjective

o·ver·skep·ti·cal, adjectiveo·ver·skep·ti·cal·ly, adverbo·ver·skep·ti·cal·ness, nounun·skep·ti·cal, adjectiveun·skep·ti·cal·ly, adverb

As Ackerman pointed out, all scientists are skeptics; skeptical doubt is a part of the scientific method.
Extreme Weather? Blame the End Times|Jay Michaelson|November 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I have to admit, I was skeptical about True Detective from the start.
Alright ‘True Detective,’ You Got Me: Taylor Kitsch Is a Woman’s Man|Teo Bugbee|November 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For days the Kurds have insisted to skeptical journalists, including myself, that Kobani would hold.
In the Battle for Kobani, ISIS Falls Back. But for How Long?|Jamie Dettmer|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Postol and Lloyd were skeptical; hexamine is a common precursor chemical for military-grade explosives.
The Kardashian Look-Alike Trolling for Assad|Noah Shachtman, Michael Kennedy|October 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

As one article critical of skeptical discussion of SCT makes clear, it is a long way from becoming a widely accepted diagnosis.
Daydreaming Is Not a Disorder|Russell Saunders|October 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But the ironmasters were now skeptical, and refused to be again inveigled into applying for licenses.
Every-day Science: Volume VI. The Conquest of Nature|Henry Smith Williams
Thus, in every case do the skeptical views and empty negations of idealism lead to a contradictory nothing.
The philosophy of life, and philosophy of language, in a course of lectures|Frederick von Schlegel
Many a passage is set aside, because it will not fit in with a skeptical interpretation.
A Tour of the Missions|Augustus Hopkins Strong
Griesbach pursued his skeptical investigations for the establishment of natural religion and others aided him in his undertaking.
History of Rationalism Embracing a Survey of the Present State of Protestant Theology|John F. Hurst
He is skeptical about the lies told against French and Belgians.
Our Part in the Great War|Arthur Gleason