Meaning & use
skeptical
Last updated
UK/ˈskeptɪkəl/
US/ˈskeptɪkəl/
Meaning
adjectivecomparable
Doubtful about whether something is true or will work, and wanting proof.
Grammar: Followed by about or of: skeptical about the plan.
Patterns
- skeptical about something
- skeptical of something
Experts were skeptical about the miracle cure.
She gave him a skeptical look.
I am skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true.
Word forms
| comparative | more skeptical |
|---|---|
| superlative | most skeptical |
Common combinations
- skeptical about
- He is skeptical about the results.
- skeptical of
- Be skeptical of free offers.
- skeptical look
- The judge gave a skeptical look.
- remain skeptical
- Many scientists remain skeptical.
- healthy skepticism
- Approach advertising with healthy skepticism.
Synonyms and how they differ
- doubtful
- Doubtful is a general uncertainty and is less active than skeptical.
- dubious
- Dubious suggests suspicion about quality or honesty.
- suspicious
- Suspicious suggests feeling something wrong or dishonest.
- cynical
- Cynical means assuming people have selfish motives, which is harsher.
Opposites
Word family
- skeptic noun
- a person who doubts
- skepticism noun
- an attitude of doubt
- skeptically adverb
- in a doubting way
Commonly confused: skeptical or cynical?
skeptical vs cynical
A skeptic asks for evidence; a cynic assumes bad motives.
Practice
I'm ____ about the claim because there's no evidence for it.
Choose one answer.
Skeptical means doubting. Gullible and certain mean the opposite, and grateful does not fit.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “skeptical”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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