1
as in suspicious
inclined to doubt or question claims
it's good to be skeptical about what you see on TV
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2
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
I'm a little skeptical of this low bid, since it's way below what the other contractors said that they would charge
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Recent Examples of skeptical
Some who came of age in a time of relative stability and optimism are skeptical politicians can do anything to restore Americans' sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging.
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Dan Perry, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
But the company’s board was skeptical, dooming the effort (for now).
—Chloe Albanesius, PCMAG, 16 Dec. 2024
The mayor proposed the change in the hope of luring skeptical developers back.
—Kyle Stokes, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
Trump renews call for a DACA deal, but here's why Arizona’s Dreamers are skeptical Kari Lake appointed by Trump to government media post After weeks of not voting, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema helps end Democratic control of labor board
The stakes are high for Arizona’s Dreamers.
—Raphael Romero Ruiz, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for skeptical 
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
But the company’s board was skeptical, dooming the effort (for now).
—Chloe Albanesius, PCMAG, 16 Dec. 2024
The mayor proposed the change in the hope of luring skeptical developers back.
—Kyle Stokes, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
Trump renews call for a DACA deal, but here's why Arizona’s Dreamers are skeptical Kari Lake appointed by Trump to government media post After weeks of not voting, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema helps end Democratic control of labor board
The stakes are high for Arizona’s Dreamers.
—Raphael Romero Ruiz, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for skeptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeptical
Adjective
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This could be weird network traffic, suspicious logins or unauthorized data access.Sarath Babu Yalavarthi, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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Listen to this article Three people were arrested in Newington early Tuesday when officers found a gun and crack cocaine while investigating a suspicious vehicle in a condo complex parking lot.Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 24 Dec. 2024
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By comparison, just 38 percent answered yes, while 17 percent were unsure.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
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More Economic Uncertainty While the 2024 presidential election might be in the rearview, many experts are unsure what could unfold as the new administration begins.Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2024
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Of course, outdoor activities in cold climates require precautions, including dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, being cautious on icy trails, and pacing oneself.Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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Travelers should be cautious, especially along major highways like Interstate 90 and 35, as conditions could remain hazardous.Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
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Advertisement Key injuries Chargers: TE Will Dissly (shoulder, out); CB Cam Hart (concussion, out); DB Elijah Molden (knee, doubtful); G Zion Johnson (ankle, questionable); DL Otito Ogbonnia (pelvis, questionable); LB Denzel Perryman (groin, questionable), TE Hayden Hurst (hip, questionable).Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
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Count us doubtful that Republicans will be able to make major changes to environmental laws without negotiating with Senate Democrats.Daniel Moore, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024
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On her face is something halfway between a grimace and an incredulous smile—a facial expression that many Harris supporters likely recognize as a universal, exasperated response to a Trump rant.Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2024
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In the interim, Gore made another call to an incredulous Bush to retract his concession.Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
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But the outcome at the end of a tumultuous week had been uncertain after Trump had insisted the deal include an increase in the government’s borrowing limit.Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
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Details on how the berm area in question has evolved over the years through different rain and flood events and if there has been any reconstruction or repairs with a revolving board was uncertain.Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Identifying ground zero for the advent of Dengue Fever can be tricky, but careful research has identified Aquarius Records in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District as the primary origin of the infectiously melodic band.Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024
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Going slowly and applying heat with a hair dryer can help reduce the risk of damage, but the difficulty of this process is a solid reason to be careful with your installation.Simon Hill, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2024
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Nielsen herself is wary of raising unnecessary fears.Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024
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Madrid have historically been wary of making new additions in January — their last first-team signing in that window was Brahim Diaz in 2019.Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Skeptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeptical. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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