What words are synonyms of skeptical?

What is the meaning of each underlined word in these excerpts from "a modest proposal" by jonathan swift? i think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation. some persons of a desponding spirit are in great concern about that vast number of poor people, who are aged, diseased, or maimed; and i have been desired to employ my thoughts what course may be taken, to ease the nation of so grievous an incumbrance. the word prodigious means . the word desponding means .

What is the best definition of the underlined word as it is used in the sentence? a statement of wit or amusement an expression of disapproval or condemnation a sentiment of indifference or apathy an exclamation of profound admiration or esteem

The rich natural resources made the sacramento valley a "garden of eden." permanent villages were established about 8,000 years ago. which choice combines these two sentences from paragraph two to achieve a coherent flow of ideas? a) the rich natural resources made the sacramento valley a "garden of eden" and permanent villages were established about 8,000 years ago. b) permanent villages were established about 8,000 years ago and the rich natural resources made the sacramento valley a "garden of eden." c) the rich natural resources made the sacramento valley a "garden of eden; " and so the permanent villages were established about 8,000 years ago. d) because of the rich natural resources which made the sacramento valley a ‘garden of eden,’ native americans established permanent villages there 8,000 years ago.