What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agnostic
Example
He considers himself an agnostic because he doesn't believe in any particular religion. [agnostic: noun]
Example
She takes an agnostic approach to the question of the afterlife. [agnostic: adjective]
skeptic
Example
As a skeptic, he always asks for evidence before believing anything. [skeptic: noun]
Example
She takes a skeptical view of conspiracy theories. [skeptical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Skeptic is more commonly used than agnostic in everyday language. Skeptic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while agnostic is less common and is typically used in religious or philosophical discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agnostic and skeptic?
Both agnostic and skeptic can be used in formal and informal contexts, but agnostic is often associated with a more philosophical or intellectual tone, while skeptic can be used in a wider range of tones and contexts.
