adj
Uncommon
skeptical
SKEHP-tih-kuhl
Skeptical (adj) means Doubtful or unconvinced; inclined to question rather than simply accept a claim. Example: “I'm skeptical that the plan will actually work.”
adj
1
Doubtful or unconvinced; inclined to question rather than simply accept a claim.
"I'm skeptical that the plan will actually work."
"The jury looked skeptical as the witness told her story."
"Scientists remain skeptical about claims that a miracle cure has been found."
How to use skeptical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot easily convinced; questioning until there's good evidence.
UK vs US
Spelled "sceptical" in British English.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
skeptical of
skeptical about
remain skeptical
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more skeptical
- Superlative
- most skeptical
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I'm _____ that the plan will actually work.
Etymology
From "skeptic" plus the adjective ending "-al."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for skeptical
See all rhymes for skeptical →Frequently asked questions
What does “skeptical” mean?
The word “skeptical” means doubtful or unconvinced; inclined to question rather than simply accept a claim. In plain terms, not easily convinced; questioning until there's good evidence.
How do you pronounce “skeptical”?
“Skeptical” is pronounced SKEHP-tih-kuhl (/ˈskɛptɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “skeptical” in a sentence?
Here is “skeptical” used in a sentence: “I'm skeptical that the plan will actually work.”
What part of speech is “skeptical”?
“Skeptical” is an adjective.
Is “skeptical” a common word?
“Skeptical” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between skeptical and cynical?
Skeptical means doubtful or unconvinced about a specific claim, requiring evidence before accepting it. Cynical implies a broader, more negative outlook, assuming people's motives are generally selfish or dishonest, rather than questioning one particular claim.
What is the difference between skeptical and pessimistic?
Skeptical describes questioning whether something is true, while pessimistic describes expecting the worst outcome regardless of evidence. A skeptical person withholds belief until convinced; a pessimistic person assumes things will go badly.
How do you use skeptical in a sentence with a preposition?
Skeptical is typically followed by "of" or "about," as in "skeptical of the claim" or "skeptical about the plan." Both prepositions are standard in modern English usage.
