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
  • And given their preference for rocky environments over sandy lagoons and the crabs’ reproductive prowess, fishermen and experts alike are skeptical.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The early sales reps who thrived on instinct and relationships start selling into a market that’s crowded, educated and skeptical.
    — Doug May, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of skeptical
Adjective
  • Glendale police received multiple calls about a suspicious male adult, with officers first responding to a retail store in the 1500 block of Glenoaks Boulevard.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • By the time something appears suspicious, causality is fragmented across systems, logs and identities.
    — Brian Contos, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 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
  • Florida’s Republican gubernatorial ticket is defying historic trends for a political party traditionally known for elevating white men to leadership positions — even as the GOP remains cautious about drawing attention to the shift.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Bindi, a young female wallaby, is inquisitive and extremely curious, while Wally, a young male wallaby, is more cautious and likes to look at things from afar, Borozenets said.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • When a boater posted footage of the new island on social media, incredulous officials thought the video was AI-generated, according to the New York Times.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Besides, there are tree branches to bundle, coupons to clip, guacamole to toss out, incredulous news reports to run through Snopes and at least 20 spam texts to block.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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