skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik How to pronounce skeptic (audio)
1
: an adherent or advocate of skepticism
2
: a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles

Examples of skeptic in a Sentence

Skeptics have pointed out flaws in the researchers' methods. You can believe in ghosts if you like, but I'm still a skeptic. He is a skeptic and a cynic.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Since then, both theories have been tested, revised and improved, standing the test of time and winning over skeptics in the scientific community. Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2025 That’s a point that should be able to unite the most diehard alien truthers and the skeptics who are sick of hearing about this. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2025 Indeed, the podcast goes so far as to invert the question that skeptics started asking in the ’90s: whether spellers were capable of sharing information that their facilitators didn’t know. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025 So, how did Baker’s film overcome the skeptics and wind up the champion of the whole Oscar pole dance? Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skeptic

Word History

Etymology

Latin or Greek; Latin scepticus, from Greek skeptikos, from skeptikos thoughtful, from skeptesthai to look, consider — more at spy

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeptic was in 1587

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skeptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeptic. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

skeptic

noun
skep·​tic ˈskep-tik How to pronounce skeptic (audio)
: a person slow to believe or ready to question : doubter

More from Merriam-Webster on skeptic

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