We all know someone who won’t accept anything at face value. But is there a word in English for someone who questions everything at all times?
Below, we’ve compiled a great list of terms and phrases for an incorrigible doubter. So, read on to learn more!
Words for Someone Who Questions Everything
- Inquisitive
- Skeptic
- Doubting Thomas
- Critical thinker
- Curious
- Investigative
- Cynic
- Suspicious
- Doubtful
- Questioner
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The word “inquisitive” refers to someone who is curious about the world or enjoys prying into other people’s lives.
- A “skeptic” is someone who tends to doubt things that other people accept based on mere belief.
- We can call someone who doesn’t believe anything without personal experience a “doubting Thomas.”
Don’t go anywhere! In the next section, we’ll discuss our top three terms and phrases for someone who questions everything in more detail.
We’ll even show you how to use each of our chosen terms in some example sentences.
Inquisitive
People who question everything are often considered “inquisitive.”
Merriam-Webster defines the word inquisitive as meaning “given to examination or investigation” and “inclined to ask questions.”
However, it also defines “inquisitive” as “inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others.”
From all the definitions here, we can see that the word “inquisitive” can have either positive or negative connotations. It really depends on the context in which you use it!
At work or school, you could use the term “inquisitive” positively to mean that a coworker or student is very curious and interested in learning.
However, in the social realm, you could use it as a more polite way of calling someone nosy!
Check out the examples below to see how you can use the term “inquisitive” in a sentence:
Charlie was most inquisitive about this new data and studied it from noon until night for several days.
Let’s take this inside; I have a rather inquisitive neighbor down the hall who can’t help but listen in to all my conversations.
Skeptic
Another word for a person who questions everything is “skeptic.”
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a “skeptic” is “a person who doubts the truth or value of an idea or belief.”
In short, a “skeptic” is someone who tends to question things that other people accept on faith.
People often direct their “skepticism” toward religious beliefs or doctrines. However, a person can also be “skeptical” about whether they can trust their government or other authority figures.
Although it sounds somewhat dour, there are a great many benefits to being a “skeptic.”
After all, many “skeptics” throughout history made huge scientific advancements as a result of their doubts, especially regarding popular explanations for natural phenomena.
There were probably many “skeptics” involved in riots against powerful and dangerous regimes throughout history as well.
So, let’s see the term “skeptic” in some example sentences:
I have always been a skeptic when it comes to environmentalist pursuits by large, corporate companies.
Don’t be such a skeptic! Not everything is a conspiracy.
Doubting Thomas
When someone questions everything you do, you can call them a “doubting Thomas.”
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a “doubting Thomas” as “a person who refuses to believe anything until they are shown proof.”
We all know someone who won’t accept a single thing anyone says until they experience something themselves. Perhaps you have a “doubting Thomas” in your friend group or family!
This term stems from the biblical story of the apostle named Thomas. He wouldn’t believe that Jesus had been resurrected until he saw the wounds on his hands from when he was crucified.
As a result of this background, people often use the phrase “doubting Thomas” in an admonishing way.
After all, it’s good to doubt what you are told in some circumstances.
However, you can’t wait to experience everything for yourself before you believe in other people’s experiences!
Ignoring and dismissing what other people say can be disrespectful, in fact.
Thus, have a look at how we’ve used the phrase “doubting Thomas” in some examples:
There’s no point trying to reason with him; he’s a doubting Thomas.
You can’t be a doubting Thomas all your life. At some point, you’ll have to trust someone.