What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nihilist
Example
He's a nihilist who doesn't believe in any moral principles. [nihilist: noun]
Example
She has a nihilistic view of life and thinks that nothing really matters. [nihilistic: adjective]
skeptic
Example
I'm a skeptic when it comes to conspiracy theories. [skeptic: noun]
Example
She was skeptical of his claims and asked for evidence to support them. [skeptical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Skeptic is more commonly used than nihilist in everyday language. Skeptic is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while nihilist is less common and has a more extreme connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nihilist and skeptic?
Both nihilist and skeptic can be used in formal and informal contexts, but nihilist may be perceived as more extreme and therefore less appropriate in formal settings.