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definitions

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

Origin of skeptical

First recorded in 1630–40; skeptic + -al1
Related formsskep·ti·cal·ly, adverbskep·ti·cal·ness, nounan·ti·skep·ti·cal, adjectivenon·skep·ti·cal, adjectiveo·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

Synonyms for skeptical

1. skeptic. 4. unbelieving.

Synonym study

1. See doubtful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Word Origin and History for skepticalness

skeptical

adj.

also sceptical, 1630s; see skeptic + -al (1). Related: Skeptically.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper