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

Her deeply skeptical views of most U.S. foreign policy, including support for Ukraine, sympathy for dictators like Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad in Syria and embrace of various conspiracy theories has earned her many critics who say that she would not pass muster in a Senate confirmation process.

From Salon

Lennox read the book after a friend gave it to him several years ago and, like a true Irishman, was skeptical that an outsider could capture the complexities of his community.

From Los Angeles Times

Buying sports rights can be incredibly expensive, and some analysts are skeptical about the rewatchability of certain games.

From Los Angeles Times

She didn’t sound sanguine, calling herself “skeptical” that the company will be able to allege a “cognizable injury.”

From Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles officials have been skeptical, seeking more safety oversight of the vehicles as future growth looms and unions raise concerns about job losses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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