askance

American  

[uh-skans] / əˈskæns /

Also askant

adverb

1. with suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval.

   He looked askance at my offer.

   Synonyms:

   suspiciously, skeptically

2. with a side glance; sidewise; obliquely.

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askance British  

/ əˈskænt, əˈskæns /

adverb

1. with an oblique glance

2. with doubt or mistrust

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askance Idioms  

1. see look askance.

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Etymology

Origin of askance

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier a scanche, a sca(u)nce; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Binge on Hallmark movies, force another family screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life”—no one will look askance.

From The Wall Street Journal

An acquisition of BHP’s petroleum business was cheered by investors, though they looked askance at the company’s decision to invest in a low-carbon ammonia project in Texas.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors have grown uneasy about the circular nature of many of the AI sector’s dealings and are looking askance at huge gains in RPOs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although municipalities can issue tax-exempt debt, credit agencies might look askance at the higher burdens.

From The Wall Street Journal

But they are also likely intended to quell concerns among progressives who might look askance at one factor in Kelly’s Senate record.

From Salon

Related Words

• skeptically
• suspiciously