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skeptically

skeptically

8 4.4
Showing doubt that something is true
  • adverb
  • /ˈskɛptɪkli/
  • US
translation icon : escepticamente
  • Despite his confident tone, the critics received his statements skeptically, needing more proof.
  • viewed skeptically
  • looked skeptically
  • greeted skeptically

Examples

  • Sure, but it rains all the time here," the NCO replied skeptically.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • The thin, young man giving the talk was met respectfully but skeptically by the roomful of older, solidly built steam buffs.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Then he returns to us, asking why we are here, looking skeptically at me.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • "So, all I have to do is be alone?" he asked skeptically.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • " Uncle Bill threw up in the car? " Jeanine asked skeptically.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Jack just smiled skeptically, eyebrows raised, and said, "Thanks, but I think I'll pass."

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Solicitations for on-campus giving can be viewed very skeptically, of course, especially in difficult times.

    Blog text (29)
  • The AK Party's popular base has always approached the process skeptically.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Joe looked at him skeptically, eyeing the uncallused fingers, the wire-rimmed glasses, the perfect posture.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Tepper's conclusions have been greeted skeptically by senior archaeologists such as Magness and Piccirillo.

    Academic text (2007)

Synonyms

suspiciously
vsskeptically
43 3.8

In a way that shows you do not trust someone

expresses doubt but focuses more on mistrust than mere disbelief
incredulously
vsskeptically
8 6.8

In a way that shows you do not believe something

expresses doubt or disbelief in a calmer, more reflective way
doubtfully
vsskeptically
4 3.8

In a way that shows you are not sure and have little confidence

expresses doubt but with less disbelief emotion and more uncertainty
dubiously
vsskeptically
3 6.7

In a way that shows doubt or little trust

expresses doubt generally without the stronger distrust emphasis
questioningly
vsskeptically
3 3.3

In a way that shows doubt or a wish to know more

expresses doubt without strong rejection, often seeking information
disbelievingly
vsskeptically
1 6.1

In a way that shows you do not think something is true

expresses doubt rather than outright rejection of truth
unbelievingly
vsskeptically
1 7.2

Shows that someone does not believe something

expresses doubt but can be less absolute than that refusal
mistrustfully
vsskeptically
7.2

In a way that shows doubt about what someone wants

expresses doubt but centers on not trusting people rather than ideas
distrustfully
vsskeptically
5.6

In a way that shows you do not trust someone

expresses doubt but less hostile and more neutral in evaluation
askance
vsskeptically
9.8

In a way that shows doubt or disapproval, often by looking sideways

expresses doubt but mainly as a glance or attitude, not speech

Antonyms

36 2.9

In a way that shows a person is sure and not afraid

How Skeptical

cynically
14 6.7
skeptically
  • US
8 4.4
doubtfully
4 3.8
trustingly
1 2.8

Surface Forms

skeptically positive
sceptically positive

Morphology

skeptically = skeptical (transparent) = skeptic + al + ly

A straightforward adverbial formation: 'skeptical' + '-ly' yields 'in a skeptical manner'.

Etymology

The word skeptically comes from the Greek root skept- meaning 'to look' or 'examine', and it is the same root in skeptic, a person who doubts. So to act skeptically is to look closely and show doubt, like someone who raises an eyebrow at a strange story.