skeptical
not sure that something is true or will happen
Not convinced that something is true, reliable, good, or likely to happen.
careful about believing things without good evidence
Tending to question claims and require evidence before accepting them as true.
connected with the philosophical idea that we may not be able to know things with certainty
In philosophy, relating to the view that certain knowledge is impossible or that accepted beliefs should be doubted.
- Base: skeptical
call me skeptical, but...
1Introduce a doubtful opinion
used before you say that you do not believe something
- Call me skeptical, but I don’t believe those numbers are accurate.
- Call me skeptical, but a plan with no budget and no deadline is not much of a plan.
- Call me skeptical, but I’ve heard that promise before.
- Call me skeptical, but I do not trust that story.
- Call me skeptical, but this seems too easy.
color me skeptical
1I doubt that claim
used to say that you do not really believe something
- Color me skeptical, but I don’t think the app will really save us that much time.
- He says the project will be finished by Friday? Color me skeptical.
- Color me skeptical, but the deal sounds too good to be true.
- Color me skeptical, but I think he is wrong.
- She promised to pay tomorrow. Color me skeptical.
with a skeptical eye
1Examine critically and doubtfully
to examine something carefully because you are not sure it is true or good
- Experts are viewing the mayor’s budget promise with a skeptical eye.
- She reads all product reviews with a skeptical eye because many are paid promotions.
- The committee examined the proposal with a skeptical eye before approving it.
- I look at online ads with a skeptical eye.
- Read the report with a skeptical eye.