unbelieving

adjective

ˌən-bə-ˈlē-viŋ How to pronounce unbelieving (audio)
Definition of unbelievingnext
as in skeptical
inclined to doubt or question claims unbelieving scientists who demand that all phenomena be subjected to rigorous scientific scrutiny

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unbelieving One day, the elusive Seth meets the equally alluring but totally living doctor Maggie (Meg Ryan), who is suspicious and unbelieving of the mystical wonders of this world. — Nathan Smith, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024 He was told that unbelieving boys and girls in short dresses and naked arms met in these places and fell in love. — The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2022 Discipleship, ministry and mission all happened in homes as families lived out their faith in Jesus in the midst of an unbelieving world. — The Rev. Bill Thomas, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 12 Dec. 2020 But the unbelieving or skeptical child, with no great desire to change his life, felt abandoned by those who should have been in charge, and wondered furtively at the authority of that divine command. — James Wood, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2020 The story centers on two scientists who, upon discovering that a meteor will strike the Earth in six months, go on a media tour to try to warn the world but find an unreceptive and unbelieving populace. — Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbelieving
  1. skeptical
  2. suspicious
  3. disbelieving
  4. cautious
  5. incredulous
Adjective
  • Others are skeptical the task force can accomplish much in such a short time period, arguing that eventually sweeping new legislation will be needed to regulate AI.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Though Netflix is profitable, analysts say the company hasn’t produced enough hits and are skeptical of its plans to grow its subscriber base.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of skeptical
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
  • During one scene, Scherrman appears for a few seconds as the catcher in a game interrupted by Timothy Busfield, the disbelieving brother-in-law of Kevin Costner's character Ray Kinsella.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • During one scene, Scherrman appears for a few seconds as the catcher in a game interrupted by Timothy Busfield, the disbelieving brother-in-law of Kevin Costner’s character Ray Kinsella.
    — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of disbelieving
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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

unbelievers
unbelieving
unbelievingly
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Cite this Entry

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

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