Meaning & use

skeptically

adverb·Academic

In a manner that shows doubt about whether something is true or reliable.

See it in a sentence

She raised her eyebrows skeptically when he claimed to have finished the report already.

The scientists listened skeptically to the claim until they could review the actual data.

A note on using this word

Skeptically describes a questioning attitude, not necessarily disbelief; it suggests a demand for evidence.

Words with a similar meaning

doubtfullysuspiciously

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

Words with an opposite meaning

trustinglycredulously

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