quizzical
Americanadjective
-
odd, queer, or comical.
-
questioning or puzzled.
a quizzical expression on her face.
-
derisively questioning, ridiculing, or chaffing.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of quizzical
Explanation
Quizzical usually means puzzled or questioning, though it can also mean confused, surprised, comical, or mocking. If someone's looking at you with a quizzical expression when you mention your summer, it might mean they don't know about your adventures at space camp. The word quiz tucked inside quizzical should help you remember the idea of questioning that this adjective often suggests. The word also comes in handy to describe being eccentric or odd, as well as skeptical or derisive. You raise a quizzical eyebrow every time you see me in my giant fur hat. Does that mean you don’t like it?
Vocabulary lists containing quizzical
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Emotions on Display
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 8
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But you should cut this quizzical bank teller some slack.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2025
MILAN—When Rich Ross and his husband decided to buy a home in Milan, they were met with quizzical looks from their friends in Los Angeles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2025
It can be a quizzical expression or a blank stare based on the level of knowledge of the words just spoken.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2024
He was met with a "quizzical" look from the court usher, who asked him to do a sip test to ensure it was not a toxic substance.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2024
He fixes me with a quizzical stare and then consults his two smaller companions.
From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
