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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skeptical
Staying skeptical of urgent messages, double-checking anything that seems off and never clicking suspicious links can go a long way in protecting your personal information.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
While many view this as a viable upgrade, some remain skeptical about how things will unfold for the star wideout in his new situation.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
New studies are skeptical Milky Way will be visible in May, over Memorial Day weekend, across US: When to see our galaxy
The team’s findings were published Wednesday, June 4, in the journal Science Advances.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 June 2025
These regions were often skeptical of centralized power, and reformers pushed for tools like the initiative and referendum to give citizens a way to bypass political machines and corporate influence.
—Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
While many view this as a viable upgrade, some remain skeptical about how things will unfold for the star wideout in his new situation.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
New studies are skeptical Milky Way will be visible in May, over Memorial Day weekend, across US: When to see our galaxy
The team’s findings were published Wednesday, June 4, in the journal Science Advances.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 June 2025
These regions were often skeptical of centralized power, and reformers pushed for tools like the initiative and referendum to give citizens a way to bypass political machines and corporate influence.
—Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
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The agencies urged the public to remain vigilant and report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement.—
Jeremy Harlan,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
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Quiet Skies was revealed in 2018 by The Boston Globe, which said the program deployed air marshals, who fly armed and undercover to thwart terrorists, to track dozens of suspicious travelers daily.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Fewer than half of U.S. businesses report having a formal crisis communication plan, and 23% either don’t have one or are unsure if a plan exists.—
Nicole Tidei,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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When Ginny & Georgia’s Brianne Howey entered the courtroom set for Season 3, she was tasked with playing a new version of her usually confident and cunning character– one that was now afraid, powerless, and exceedingly unsure of herself.—
Jennifer Adams,
StyleCaster,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
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Be cautious not to overuse vinegar in the dishwasher, as the acid can degrade certain rubber components, like gaskets and filters.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Trump and Musk will meet by the end of the year—giving that likelihood a 57 percent chance—but are doubtful that a meeting will come in the coming weeks.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
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Initially doubtful of her claim to survivor status, she’s emboldened by her female friends to speak openly of her experience, which in turn becomes the cause célèbre that carries the entire movement.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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After 12 Days Tony Botti, a public information officer for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said during the news conference that officials are incredulous that Slaton was able to travel so far via bicycle and on foot.—
Jillian Frankel,
People.com,
15 May 2025
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In a TikTok video, the woman shared the shaky video her boyfriend took, receiving over 980,000 views and over 1,600 comments from incredulous TikTokers.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The impact of the decision is uncertain because immigrants could apply for legal status under other programs.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
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The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
7 June 2025
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However, Kilmeade was careful to praise Musk’s efforts during his time in the Trump administration.—
Andrew Kirell,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The pattern has left Iranians wary that any sign of instability is met with brutal suppression.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2025
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Does the entertainment industry have a right to be wary of AI at this stage?—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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