What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sceptical
Example
I'm sceptical about his claims of being able to cure cancer with just herbs. [sceptical: adjective]
Example
She approached the offer with a sceptical eye, knowing that it sounded too good to be true. [sceptical: adjective]
suspicious
Example
The police were suspicious of his alibi and decided to investigate further. [suspicious: adjective]
Example
She was suspicious of the stranger who kept following her on the street. [suspicious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suspicious is more commonly used than sceptical in everyday language. Suspicious is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while sceptical is less common and is typically used in academic or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sceptical and suspicious?
Sceptical is more formal than suspicious. It is often used in academic or scientific writing, while suspicious is more informal and can be used in everyday language.
