Skeptic

/ˈskɛptɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.

The skeptic raised concerns about the validity of the study's results.

A person who maintains a doubting attitude, especially regarding religious or supernatural claims.

As a skeptic, she finds it hard to accept the claims of paranormal phenomena without solid evidence.

A member of a philosophical school that denies the possibility of certain knowledge.

The ancient Greek skeptic philosophers often questioned the certainty of knowledge.

From Greek 'skeptikos' meaning 'thoughtful' or 'to look around'.

skepticism

The philosophical attitude of doubting the truth of something.

healthy skepticism

An attitude of doubt towards claims or statements, often to encourage deeper inquiry.

skeptical inquiry

The process of questioning and examining claims critically.

doubt

A feeling of uncertainty about the truth or reliability of something.

question

To express doubt about something or to seek information.

cynicism

An attitude of distrust towards the motives of others.

Doubting Thomas

He's such a Doubting Thomas when it comes to conspiracy theories.

Naysayer

She always plays the naysayer in our discussions about new ideas.