skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

1

: an adherent or advocate of skepticism

2

: a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles

Synonyms

• disbeliever
• doubter
• doubting Thomas
• questioner
• unbeliever

Examples of skeptic in a Sentence

Skeptics have pointed out flaws in the researchers' methods.

You can believe in ghosts if you like, but I'm still a skeptic.

He is a skeptic and a cynic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Zaki says skeptics don’t begin with any assumption about people, but rather with curiosity. —Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

That includes among Trump voters who tend to be skeptics. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024

But in Maricopa, Yuma, Pinal, Coconino, Navajo and Cochise counties, election skeptics are running against other candidates for the seat. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 13 Oct. 2024

If science has shown that trees can talk, then perhaps even the skeptics among us should refrain from ruling out the possibility that one source of Donegal's creativity might not be in Donegal at all. —Saki Knafo, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin or Greek; Latin scepticus, from Greek skeptikos, from skeptikos thoughtful, from skeptesthai to look, consider — more at spy

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

skeptic

noun

skep·​tic ˈskep-tik 

: a person slow to believe or ready to question : doubter