skeptical

adjective

ˈskep-ti-kəl How to pronounce skeptical (audio)
Definition of skepticalnext
1
as in suspicious
inclined to doubt or question claims it's good to be skeptical about what you see on TV

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something I'm a little skeptical of this low bid, since it's way below what the other contractors said that they would charge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of skeptical The long road to 2028 While the spectacle was undeniable, aviation experts remain skeptical that the vehicle can serve as both a practical road car and a true aircraft. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 If a skeptical Michael will take the case, Bo wants to sue his creators and get back his ethical guardrails. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 There’s all sorts of reasons that people are skeptical of new technology. — Dustin Desoto, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026 Energy Aspects, in a note on the proposal, was skeptical about any freight relief at all. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
  1. suspicious
  2. unsure
  3. cautious
  4. doubtful
  5. incredulous
  6. uncertain
  7. careful
  8. wary
Adjective
  • For all current and former Florida residents, FLHSMV recommended taking precautions, including monitoring financial accounts and reviewing credit reports for any suspicious activity.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers at iVerify discovered it while investigating a suspicious infection in August 2026.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • Residents said most of the children killed lived in the Dir Colony neighborhood, where the school is located, leaving them unsure which bereaved family to visit first to offer condolences.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Hujar is unsure of his prospects, curious where his talent and ambition might lead, embedded in a community that may or may not take him there.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsure
Adjective
  • For now, a Super El Niño offers a reason for cautious optimism — not a promise of a drought-busting winter.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • People with certain medical conditions should be particularly cautious about intense, high-speed rides.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • Whether growth alone can actually solve the federal debt is doubtful.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Both stocks have rallied in 2026, with Dell up more than 350% and HPE soaring 185%, but analysts at the bank are doubtful the gains can be sustained much longer.
    — Davis Giangiulio,Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of doubtful
Adjective
  • In a true turn of events that would seem almost incredulous in a Hollywood script, the boss of a now defunct production company that specialized in true crime is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The title comes from a phrase that became part of his creative vocabulary and began appearing in sketches whenever an absurd situation called for a perfectly incredulous response.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of incredulous
Adjective
  • Called Motor Decide, the tool is designed to help industries evaluate electric motor technologies and make informed decisions under uncertain market conditions.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
  • These industry changes come at an uncertain time as artificial intelligence encroaches on the creative field and consumers are turning to social media platforms for music consumption and discovery.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of uncertain
Adjective
  • Full-scale, 10-foot Hulk standins helped actors and camera crews judge his dimensions on set, and even his pants required careful attention.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Turning a field into a recognizable maze requires specialized planning and careful execution.
    — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • The third quarter earnings season has only just started, and it's expected to be strong, but investors are growing wary of the market.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Saxberger is wary, but Meyers’s admiration touches something, and soon the older man’s convinced to join a nightly meeting of young aesthetes.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of wary

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skeptical
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Cite this Entry

“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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