1
Evidence-minded doubter
A person who requests stronger support before accepting a claim.
Example
Even skeptics were persuaded by the replicated results.
skeptic
/ˈskeptɪk/ · SKEP-tiknoun
A person who questions or doubts a claim until sufficient evidence is provided.
Use skeptic for someone who withholds belief and subjects a claim to critical examination.
What skeptic Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Critic of a proposal
Someone doubtful that a plan will work as promised.
Example
Skeptics questioned whether the schedule was realistic.
3
Philosophical questioner
A thinker who challenges whether certainty is possible.
Example
The essay traces arguments made by ancient skeptics.
Use skeptic Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Even skeptics were persuaded by the replicated results.
Skeptics questioned whether the schedule was realistic.
The essay traces arguments made by ancient skeptics.
Precision Matters
Skeptic overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
skeptic
vs.Doubts a claim pending evidence.
detractor
Actively criticises or disparages it.
skeptic
vs.Questions claims before believing them.
credulous
Believes too readily—the contrast.
skeptic
vs.Withholds support.
proponent
Actively advocates a position.
skeptic
vs.Engages critically with the evidence.
indifferent
Shows little interest or concern.
Test skeptic in Context
She doubts the claim until strong evidence appears.
1
Initially a ___ of the treatment's dramatic claims, the physician changed her view only after three independent trials reproduced the result.