Meaning & use

skeptical

adjective·Advanced

Not easily convinced that a claim is true or reliable.

See it in a sentence

I was skeptical of the promise until I saw the results.

The skeptical reader asked where the figures came from.

A note on using this word

Skeptical of and skeptical about are common patterns. Skeptical can describe a willingness to ask for evidence.

Words with a similar meaning

doubtfulunconvinced

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

convincedcredulous

Make it your own

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