skeptical

adjective

skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
: relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism
a skeptical listener
skeptically adverb

Examples of skeptical in a Sentence

She's highly skeptical of the researchers' claims. He says he can win, but I remain skeptical. When I said I'd finished my homework early, Mom looked skeptical.
Recent Examples on the Web Rosenfield and independent industry analysts have been skeptical that such a commitment is feasible or enforceable. John Woolfolk, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Believe it or not, skeptical Michiganders, that's the sun. Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 13 Mar. 2024 Naturally, this eclectic quartet of women will go from skeptical strangers to soul sisters in 10 easy episodes. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2024 Eisner was skeptical that the killers were unknown. Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2024 Yet even as efforts to shut down the facility gather strength, some officials and environmental advocates are skeptical such a move will help. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 The bill comes about one year after TikTok’s CEO was grilled for hours by skeptical lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce Committee concerned about data security and the distribution of harmful content. Kevin Freking, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 Observing France at the beginning of its revolution, Edmund Burke was skeptical. Jack Butler, National Review, 7 Mar. 2024 The decision presents Waymo with what could be its biggest challenge yet: service in the second-largest American city by population, closely observed by government officials who have been skeptical of its technology from the start. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skeptical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeptical was in 1639

Dictionary Entries Near skeptical

Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptical. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

skeptical

adjective
skep·​ti·​cal ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
: relating to or marked by doubt
skeptically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on skeptical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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