Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about skeptical (AI summary)

In literature, the adjective "skeptical" serves as a multifaceted descriptor that captures both a physical expression and an intellectual stance. It is often used to denote a look of doubt or a wary countenance, as in the fading smile that gives way to a look of keen interest ([1]), while also describing a cautious attitude toward plans, claims, or truths—ranging from mild incredulity in everyday conversation ([2], [3]) to rigorous questioning of established beliefs in philosophical or historical contexts ([4], [5]). Authors employ the term to illustrate a character’s resistance to persuasion, whether expressed through a sharp glance ([6], [7]) or an overall demeanor of reserved disbelief ([8], [9]). Ultimately, "skeptical" enriches narrative tension by conveying characters’ inner conflicts between acceptance and doubt ([10], [11]).
  1. The skeptical smile faded away, little by little, from those thick, sensuous lips, and a look of keen interest took its place by degrees on
    — from Michael's Crag by Grant Allen
  2. Ah! if it were not so rare I should never have been so skeptical.
    — from Beulah by Augusta J. (Augusta Jane) Evans
  3. "Yes, and a house and lot and two yachts," said Jimmy, who was skeptical about the plan.
    — from Frank Armstrong, Drop Kicker by Matthew M. Colton
  4. And yet it is a case of longevity so well attested that even the most skeptical would hardly venture to question it.
    — from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson
  5. For it is, to all appearances, highly probable that men, on this point, will be, in the mass, skeptical.
    — from Human, All Too Human: A Book for Free Spirits by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
  6. Hawksworth cast a skeptical glance at the book.
    — from The Moghul by Thomas Hoover
  7. he asked, casting a skeptical glance over her.
    — from Four and Twenty Beds by Nancy Casteel Vogel
  8. He found James amenable, though doggedly skeptical.
    — from The Troll Garden, and Selected Stories by Willa Cather
  9. Frau von Kerich looked skeptical; she was amused by his self-confidence, and only shook her head by way of saying no.
    — from Jean-Christophe, Volume I by Romain Rolland
  10. I did not accept—being of a skeptical turn of mind—all that I heard as true.
    — from The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Complete ContentsDresden Edition—Twelve Volumes by Robert Green Ingersoll
  11. “I’d like to try that for myself,” said skeptical Davy.
    — from Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux