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.
Some skeptics worry that, despite high-profile attendance and dialogue, the practical impact might be limited without immediate legislative follow-up. Sandy Carter, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 And yet, the chorus of PGT-A skeptics is getting louder. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025 The Telepathy Tapes is more interested in showing off the extraordinary talents of its subjects than in engaging with skeptics. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025 Experts worried that Kennedy could appoint vaccine skeptics to key roles within those agencies, set impossible-to-meet standards for vaccine approvals and decline to continue stockpiling the H5N1 vaccines that may be necessary in the event of a bird flu pandemic. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 13 Feb. 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 13 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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