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
Stephen Walt says Trump should be skeptical of U.S. adventures abroad.
—
Greg Myre, NPR, 28 May 2025
Hoda Kotb, veteran cohost of the Today show, was skeptical but willing to try it.
—Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 28 May 2025
However, Senate Republicans have been skeptical of a blanket adoption of the measures in the chamber’s government funding bills for 2026.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 27 May 2025
But to others, the move indicated that some lawmakers remain skeptical of spending so much on the program.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Greg Myre, NPR, 28 May 2025
Hoda Kotb, veteran cohost of the Today show, was skeptical but willing to try it.
—Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 28 May 2025
However, Senate Republicans have been skeptical of a blanket adoption of the measures in the chamber’s government funding bills for 2026.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 27 May 2025
But to others, the move indicated that some lawmakers remain skeptical of spending so much on the program.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
-
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
-
Most of the calls were for more minor problems, such as trespassing and suspicious people, but three were related to battery, one for reported gunshots, another for an armed disturbance and one for a wanted person, the records show.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web. 7) Be cautious with payment methods: Use secure payment options like credit cards, which often offer better fraud protection than wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Allen set a course record in the victory and sent a postcard to her doubtful doctor afterward.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
25 May 2025
-
The marathon meeting came and went as House Republican leaders are looking to get the Trump agenda bill through the chamber by Memorial Day, an ambitious timeline that some lawmakers are doubtful of.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
His departure marks the second shortest time any actor has spent as the Doctor — logging in just one more season than Christopher Eccleston — and certainly leaves the future of the iconic British show uncertain.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
31 May 2025
-
Though Bonnie had experience with bottle babies, this kitten's fragile condition made survival uncertain.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
This decision reflects careful consideration and was made in light of today’s challenging financial environment.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The pattern has left Iranians wary that any sign of instability is met with brutal suppression.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2025
-
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 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share