skeptic
or scep·tic
a person who questions the validity or authenticity of something purporting to be factual.
a person who maintains a doubting attitude, as toward values, plans, statements, or the character of others.
a person who doubts the truth of a religion, especially Christianity, or of important elements of it.
(initial capital letter)Philosophy.
a member of a philosophical school of ancient Greece, the earliest group of which consisted of Pyrrho and his followers, who maintained that real knowledge of things is impossible.
any later thinker who doubts or questions the possibility of real knowledge of any kind.
pertaining to skeptics or skepticism; skeptical.
(initial capital letter) pertaining to the Skeptics.
Origin of skeptic
1synonym study For skeptic
Other words for skeptic
Opposites for skeptic
Other words from skeptic
- an·ti·skep·tic, noun
- non·skep·tic, adjective, noun
Words that may be confused with skeptic
Words Nearby skeptic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use skeptic in a sentence
Other skeptics say Section 230 allows platforms to profit from hosting misinformation and hate speech.
Why the most controversial US internet law is worth saving | Amy Nordrum | September 9, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewThe association with GM gives Nikola a much-needed credibility boost—the startup has battled skeptics of its technology and business model, particularly since its stock was publicly listed earlier this year.
Nikola stock surges 40% on General Motors partnership news | dzanemorris | September 8, 2020 | FortuneSo it’s a little awkward that a county supervisor has positioned himself as the most high-profile local skeptic of the virus.
Morning Report: The Supervisor Elevating Coronavirus Skepticism | Voice of San Diego | August 21, 2020 | Voice of San DiegoSince May, Desmond has positioned himself as the most high-profile skeptic of the coronavirus to hold local office.
Supervisor by Day, But a COVID-19 Skeptic on the Airwaves | Katy Stegall | August 20, 2020 | Voice of San DiegoI called them “islands of fertility in the continent,” though some skeptics doubted that the lakes were really there.
He Found ‘Islands of Fertility’ Beneath Antarctica’s Ice | Steve Nadis | July 20, 2020 | Quanta Magazine
Given this tiny pool of survivors, a skeptic might ask why the story of the Mandans should matter to the contemporary reader?
The Tribe at the Center of America: The Story of the Mandan | Andrew Graybill | March 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIf you're a skeptic like me, this entire process sounds like one massive shake of the head from start to finish.
In truth, I was a skeptic from day one, let the record show.
Republicans Move to the Center? Nope, They’re Crazier Than Ever | Michael Tomasky | August 21, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTAbrams is a skeptic, which he is well within his rights to be (a position this writer shares).
Does Elliott Abrams Speak For American Jewish Leaders? | Ali Gharib | August 13, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTI was a skeptic, but lo and behold, the Judiciary Committee actually acted like the old Senate for a week.
This circumstance alone, ought to be strong evidence, even to a skeptic, of its super-human origin.
Gospel Philosophy | J. H. WardNow, says the skeptic, is it not possible that reptiles and birds lived upon the earth previous to the creation of beasts?
Gospel Philosophy | J. H. WardI should like to argue the point with you, but you are such a confirmed skeptic, I fear I should be wasting my time.
Jack Harkaway in New York | Bracebridge HemyngA powerful bass voice projected itself from the lungs of the good-humored-looking skeptic.
Southern Hearts | Florence Hull WinterburnYours is a skeptic age, my dears, and you have learned to scoff at things you do not understand.
The Master of Appleby | Francis Lynde
British Dictionary definitions for skeptic
/ (ˈskɛptɪk) /
an archaic, and the usual US, spelling of sceptic
Derived forms of skeptic
- skeptical, adjective
- skeptically, adverb
- skepticalness, noun
- skepticism, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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