most skeptical of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most skeptical of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a high level of doubt or disbelief regarding a particular subject or claim. Example: "Among the panelists, she was the most skeptical of the proposed solutions to climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Justice Scalia, in his own concurrence, was the most skeptical of all.

The New York Times

Many are at least somewhat disillusioned with the Communists, most skeptical of propaganda.

The New York Times

According to recent polling, the area around Peterborough is the second most skeptical of E.U. membership in Britain.

The New Yorker

The people most skeptical of the government, he said, won&apos t be convinced by pilots that are government-run.

The New York Times

"Our remedy does give me pause," wrote Mozelle W. Thompson, the most skeptical of the commissioners of the merger.

The New York Times

Even one of the Republicans most skeptical of Kavanaugh suggested late Tuesday that that would be a good idea.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

For the prime minister of the most skeptical member of the European Union, even some rare good news for the bloc creates complications.

The New York Times

To hear one's offspring excitedly explain that camp was rained out because Poseidon made it rain, and that Zeus has been throwing thunderbolts, is enough to warm the heart of even the most skeptical defender of the Western literary tradition.

The New Yorker

"This is a use of strict scrutiny" -- normally the most skeptical level of judicial review -- "which is extremely deferential," said Professor Schuck.

The New York Times

NEW YORK -- McClatchy's Jonathan Landay, who was part of the reporting team credited with the most skeptical coverage of the Bush administration's case for war in Iraq, is heading to Reuters to cover national security, according to a memo obtained by The Huffington Post. .

Huffington Post

But even the most skeptical reader of his new book, "Secret Historian," will have to admit that the bar is now set high.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most skeptical of" to express a reasoned doubt, not just a gut feeling. Provide context or evidence to support the skepticism whenever possible.

Common error

Avoid using "most skeptical of" when a simple disagreement is more appropriate. Skepticism implies a deeper, more considered doubt than just a difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most skeptical of" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that describes a subject's high degree of doubt or disbelief regarding something. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where it's used to qualify individuals' attitudes towards various topics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most skeptical of" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that indicates a high level of doubt or disbelief. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's appropriate for expressing reasoned skepticism and is frequently found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "most doubtful about" exist, "most skeptical of" specifically suggests a considered doubt, not just a casual disagreement. Its frequent use in authoritative sources reinforces its validity and usefulness in formal and informal communications. Always make sure that the context clearly identifies what is being doubted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most doubtful about

Replaces "skeptical" with "doubtful", indicating uncertainty or lack of conviction.

least convinced of

Shifts focus to a lack of persuasion rather than active doubt.

most disbelieving of

Emphasizes disbelief, a stronger form of skepticism.

most dubious about

Uses "dubious" to suggest uncertainty and potential deception.

most questioning of

Highlights the act of questioning and scrutiny.

most wary of

Indicates caution and mistrust.

most distrustful of

Focuses on a lack of trust.

most cynical about

Implies a pessimistic outlook and doubt about sincerity.

highly suspicious of

Conveys a strong sense of suspicion.

least accepting of

Focuses on a lack of acceptance rather than active doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "most skeptical of" in a sentence?

You can use "most skeptical of" to describe someone who doubts or questions something more than others. For example, "Among the scientists, she was the "most skeptical of" the new data."

What's a good alternative to "most skeptical of"?

Alternatives include "most doubtful about", "least convinced of", or "most questioning of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more skeptical of" instead of "most skeptical of"?

Yes, "more skeptical of" is correct when comparing two things or people. "Most skeptical of" is used when identifying the individual or item with the highest degree of skepticism within a group.

What's the difference between "skeptical of" and "cynical about"?

"Skeptical of" implies a reasoned doubt or questioning, while "cynical about" suggests a pessimistic disbelief in the sincerity or goodness of something. Cynicism often carries a more negative connotation.