sceptic

American  

[skep-tik] / ˈskɛp tɪk /

noun

1. skeptic.

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sceptic ¹ British  

/ ˈskɛptɪk /

noun

1. a person who habitually doubts the authenticity of accepted beliefs

2. a person who mistrusts people, ideas, etc, in general

3. a person who doubts the truth of religion, esp Christianity

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adjective

1. of or relating to sceptics; sceptical

Sceptic ² British  

/ ˈskɛptɪk /

noun

1. a member of one of the ancient Greek schools of philosophy, esp that of Pyrrho, who believed that real knowledge of things is impossible

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adjective

1. of or relating to the Sceptics

Other Word Forms

• Scepticism noun
• antisceptic noun
• scepticism noun

Etymology

Origin of sceptic

C16: from Latin scepticus, from Greek skeptikos one who reflects upon, from skeptesthai to consider

Example Sentences

Kennedy, though, is the best known vaccine sceptic in the country.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025

Geier is a leading vaccine sceptic who was fined by the state of Maryland for practicing medicine without a medical degree or licence and prescribing dangerous treatments to autistic children.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025

The vaccine sceptic has also at times promoted Vitamin A as a treatment for measles, which doctors say should only be provided in certain cases under the guidance of a physician.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2025

One such sceptic is David Simon, the creator of the hit TV series The Wire, which was set in Baltimore.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2024

Alton Locke, when adolescent, is a very poor tailor, a poet whose verses are far more vigorous than his character, a chartist, a sceptic.

From Satires And Profanities by Foote, G. W. (George William)