Skeptical: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone has reservations or is not easily convinced without concrete evidence. This term avoids negative implications and is often employed in academic or professional discussions.

• She was skeptical about the new findings until she reviewed the data herself.
• He remained skeptical of the politician's promises.

Used when someone is uncertain or hesitant about something, often implying a sense of mild disbelief or uncertainty but without strong negativity.

• He was doubtful about the success of the new project due to the tight deadlines.
• She felt doubtful about the authenticity of the signed document.

Appropriate when someone has a negative view of human motives and believes people act primarily out of selfishness. It often carries a more negative connotation.

• He has a cynical outlook on life, assuming everyone is out to serve their own interests.
• The journalist's cynical attitude towards politicians made her articles quite controversial.

Used to describe someone who outright refuses to accept something as true. It indicates a strong sense of rejection or refusal.

• She gave him a disbelieving look when he claimed he had finished all the work himself.
• Despite all the evidence, he remained disbelieving of the supernatural.

Used when someone has doubts or questions the truth of something. This is often in a neutral or analytical context, seeking evidence or proof before accepting information.

• She was skeptical about the new diet plan and wanted to see scientific evidence before trying it.
• The scientist remained skeptical until the experiment was replicated multiple times.

Best utilized when someone generally does not trust another person or entity. This has a more negative connotation, often hinting at a lack of faith based on past experiences or inherent suspicion.

• She was distrustful of politicians after several scandals.
• Their prior experiences made them distrustful of large corporations.

Used when someone feels that something may be wrong or deceitful. It carries a connotation of wary caution, often due to an indication that something is not right.

• The police were suspicious of his alibi.
• She was suspicious of the email claiming she had won a prize.

Appropriately used when someone outright refuses to accept something as true, often immediately and without considering evidence. Implies a stronger sense of denial compared to 'skeptical'.

• He had a disbelieving look on his face when he heard the news.
• Despite all the evidence, she remained disbelieving about the success of the project.