skeptical

American  

[skep-ti-kuhl] / ˈskɛp tɪ kəl /

Or sceptical

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.

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Related Words

See doubtful.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of skeptical

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

Example Sentences

There are several reasons to be skeptical that Congress will be able to push the legislation over the finish line this year.

From Barron's

The December presentation left some DOT staffers deeply skeptical.

From Salon

Some at Pacific Valley were initially skeptical of the investment.

From The Wall Street Journal

But some economists are skeptical that he will deliver interest-rate cuts quickly, while keeping the central bank’s goals of price stability and maximum employment in balance.

From Barron's

Mal ran her hand through her wonky fringe and smiled her finest skeptical smile.

From Literature

Related Words

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