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

Outsiders were skeptical, unsure how the dance would translate to a competitive format and how it would engage spectators.

From Washington Post

I think that I was skeptical about Liz at first, because I had not heard of her.

From Time

I’m skeptical I could do this without exploding the egg everywhere but, hey, you never know.

From Washington Post

If you’re still skeptical, we’ve outlined a few health benefits to your new favorite green drink.

From Essence.com

Not any thicker than normal unlined denim, I was skeptical that these pants would provide the additional warmth I was looking for.

From Outside Online

As Ackerman pointed out, all scientists are skeptics; skeptical doubt is a part of the scientific method.

From The Daily Beast

I have to admit, I was skeptical about True Detective from the start.

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps we should have been a little more skeptical about this story.

From The Daily Beast

For days the Kurds have insisted to skeptical journalists, including myself, that Kobani would hold.

From The Daily Beast

Postol and Lloyd were skeptical; hexamine is a common precursor chemical for military-grade explosives.

From The Daily Beast

The other chambers, having fireplaces, I decided needed no further heat, though the plumber was mournfully skeptical.

From Project Gutenberg

I have always been skeptical about such things as "soul," but when I look into the mirror—God help me!

From Project Gutenberg

Felipe can establish his relationship beyond the doubt of the most skeptical.

From Project Gutenberg

He was skeptical about Jim, but he was struck with the accuracy of the portrait of Edwards.

From Project Gutenberg

Odin had grown skeptical of such thinking when he was a medical student.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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