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 Words From

• skepti·cal·ly adverb
• skepti·cal·ness noun
• anti·skepti·cal adjective
• non·skepti·cal adjective
• over·skepti·cal adjective
• over·skepti·cal·ly adverb
• over·skepti·cal·ness noun
• un·skepti·cal adjective
• un·skepti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of skeptical¹

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

Synonym Study

See doubtful.

Example Sentences

He confesses humbly to being a little skeptical, makes a big show of wanting Geller to do well, invites him to return and try again, and as Geller struggles, Carson listens, waits patiently, acts baffled.

From New York Times

“Growing up undocumented you grow skeptical, with a nonstop defense mechanism. Even though I’ve seen co-workers get permits, I haven’t accepted it,” A. said.

From Los Angeles Times

When Heather Hoff took a job at Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, she was skeptical of nuclear energy — so much so that she resolved to report anything questionable to the anti-nuclear group Mothers for Peace.

From Los Angeles Times

But some organizers are skeptical he will uphold those promises.

From Salon

“The skeptical side, however, is there really is no timeline. It’s unclear.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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