skeptical

/ˈskɛptɪkəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Having, or expressing doubt; questioning.

AdjectiveRegister: US

Examples

My teacher was skeptical when I told her my dog ate my homework.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Of or relating to philosophical skepticism or the skeptics.

AdjectiveRegister: US

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “skeptical” mean?

Having, or expressing doubt; questioning.

Is “skeptical” formal or informal?

skeptical is generally US.