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
Relevance
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
Trade experts are skeptical that negotiations will result in quick deals.
—
Dan Mangan,kevin Breuninger,christina Wilkie,michele Luhn, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
But many scientists were skeptical whether the technique would pay off.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
However, many remain skeptical that any real clarity is coming anytime soon.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
Countries across the region are justifiably skeptical of any U.S. attempt to define the boundaries of their relationships with other powers.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Dan Mangan,kevin Breuninger,christina Wilkie,michele Luhn, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
But many scientists were skeptical whether the technique would pay off.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
However, many remain skeptical that any real clarity is coming anytime soon.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
Countries across the region are justifiably skeptical of any U.S. attempt to define the boundaries of their relationships with other powers.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
-
At least 11 cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea within 15 months, the alliance heavily suspicious of Russian influence.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
-
The incident is being investigated by the San Diego County Sheriff’s homicide unit because authorities found the nature of the death to be suspicious, Lt. Juan Márquez said.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Overall, researchers are unsure why diabetes increases the risk of ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Approximately 26 percent of individuals surveyed were unsure.—
Filip Timotija,
The Hill,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Collins said Republicans also need to be cautious about slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food benefits to low-income families, another budget-cutting target identified by fiscal conservatives.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
11 Apr. 2025
-
This is another reason to be cautious about forecasting tariff impacts.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Jamal Murray’s injury Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is doubtful due to right hamstring imflammation after missing the past five games.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
While Carvana has posted upside earnings surprises in the past, the investor was doubtful that will be repeated.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But when President Donald Trump announced an additional 34% universal tariff on Chinese goods on April 2, Zou, who has been exporting to the United States for more than a decade, was incredulous.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Apr. 2025
-
His tone is incredulous, but the question becomes a sort of guiding principle: Some characters do, in fact, believe that things can be better, despite all evidence otherwise.—
Hannah Giorgis,
The Atlantic,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But the path to due process for those already removed from the country — including Abrego Garcia — remains uncertain.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Here’s how to protect yourself Investing in uncertain times: Here’s what investors should know Private equity wants a larger piece of workplace retirement plan assets Debt glorification is not the only bad advice being peddled on the internet.—
Sheila Bair, former Chair of the FDIC,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
These concerns underscore the need for careful consideration of privacy rights when deploying such technology.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
15 Mar. 2025
-
The meticulous breeding and careful selection that produced such extraordinary specimens highlight the craftsmanship and expertise defining today’s koi industry.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
That might mean that a recession caused by the Trump administration's tariff policy would actually drive adoption of artificial intelligence by companies that have so far been wary of the tech.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Subject to partisan litmus tests, military leaders might be wary of offering advice that contradicts the administration’s priorities.—
Risa Brooks,
Foreign Affairs,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share