skeptical
[
skep
-ti-k
uh
l]
/ˈskɛp tɪ kəl/
adjective
1.
inclined to
skepticism
; having doubt:
a skeptical young woman.
2.
showing doubt:
a skeptical smile.
3.
denying or questioning the tenets of a religion:
a skeptical approach to the nature of miracles.
4.
(
initial capital letter
) of or pertaining to Skeptics or Skepticism.
Also,
sceptical
.
Origin
1630-40;
skeptic
+
-al
1
Related forms
skeptically,
adverb
skepticalness,
noun
antiskeptical,
adjective
nonskeptical,
adjective
overskeptical,
adjective
overskeptically,
adverb
overskepticalness,
noun
unskeptical,
adjective
unskeptically,
adverb
Synonyms
1.
skeptic. See
doubtful
.
3.
unbelieving.
Examples from the web for
skeptical
Other researchers say the finding appears to be solid, although some are
skeptical
of its significance.
The townspeople are
skeptical
at first but soon bring small offerings: a head of cabbage, a bunch of carrots, a bit of beef.
Other scientists are
skeptical
of even that claim, if not openly dismissive of it.
But he is
skeptical
about the newer studies, which are yet to be confirmed by other labs.
He adds, however, that scientists must remain
skeptical
until other groups reproduce the experiments.
Vimys made three history-making flights, inspiring the development of long-distance aviation for a
skeptical
world.
The claim has drawn mostly baffled, and
skeptical
, responses from physicists and alien-life experts.
But he is
skeptical
the meeting will accomplish much.
The marine biologist says he was
skeptical
that a dedicated giant squid hunt would succeed.
His audience: a row of
skeptical
females fidgeting on an overhanging limb.
British Dictionary definitions for
skeptical
sceptical
/
ˈskɛptɪk
ə
l
/
adjective
1.
not convinced that something is true; doubtful
2.
tending to mistrust people, ideas, etc, in general
3.
of or relating to sceptics; sceptic
Derived Forms
sceptically,
(
archaic
,
US
)
skeptically,
adverb
Word Origin and History for
skeptical
adj.
also
sceptical
, 1630s; see
skeptic
+
-al
(1). Related:
Skeptically
.