incredulous
Americanadjective
-
not credulous; disinclined or indisposed to believe; skeptical
-
indicating or showing unbelief.
an incredulous smile.
adjective
Synonym Usage
See doubtful.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of incredulous
From the Latin word incrēdulus, dating back to 1525–35; see in- 3, credulous
Explanation
If you are incredulous, that means you can't or won't believe something. If you tell people about those aliens you met the other night, they'll probably give you an incredulous look. Incredulous is the opposite of credulous, which means "believing too easily." Both words come from the Latin word credere, which means "to believe." Incredulous is stronger than skeptical; if you're incredulous, you refuse to believe something, but if you're skeptical, you're doubtful but you haven't ruled it out completely. If someone insists that your best friend is actually an underworld spy, you'll probably look at them with incredulous anger.
Vocabulary lists containing incredulous
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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The Outsiders
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Lord of the Flies
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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.
I’m incredulous, gobsmacked, and I don’t even get a delicious salad big enough to feed a Texas marching band.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026
Ardent Donald fans recall his wife’s response when he retired in 2024, and followers were incredulous that he would do so with seemingly plenty of outstanding football ahead of him.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
"Now our street is almost full, and more people are on their way," she said with an incredulous laugh, a bashful smile lighting up her face.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
“People have been very incredulous of government promises.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026
Tris turns to me, her eyes wide, incredulous.
From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth
Definitions 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.
