adjective

skeptical

/ˈskɛptɪkəl/ · say it: SKEP·ti·kuhl

not easily convinced; doubting

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (adjective) not easily convinced; having doubts about whether something is true or good

2. (adjective) relating to or expressing doubt or disbelief

Examples

1. I'm skeptical about his promise to finish the project on time.
2. She gave him a skeptical look when he claimed he hadn't eaten the last cookie.

How to use skeptical

Skeptical describes an attitude of doubt or unwillingness to believe something without sufficient evidence. It is more measured than cynical, which implies distrust of motives, and it conveys intellectual caution rather than blanket dismissal. The term is common in academic, scientific, and critical contexts where questioning claims is valued.

Common phrases

skeptical of
skeptical about
skeptical approach
remain skeptical
healthy skepticism

Synonyms

doubtful · dubious · unconvinced · questioning · distrustful

Opposites

credulous · trusting · convinced

Word family

skepticism (noun) · skeptically (adverb) · skeptic (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse skeptical with cynical; skeptical means doubting the truth of something specific, while cynical means assuming people are selfish or that things are worthless in general.

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