incredulous

[in-krej-uh-luhs]

See more synonyms for incredulous on Thesaurus.com

adjective

not credulous; disinclined or indisposed to believe; skeptical.
indicating or showing unbelief: an incredulous smile.

Origin of incredulous

From the Latin word incrēdulus, dating back to 1525–35. See in-³, credulous

Related formsin·cred·u·lous·ly, adverbin·cred·u·lous·ness, noun

Can be confusedincredible incredulous

Synonyms for incredulous

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unbelieving.

Synonym study

See doubtful.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for incredulous

unsatisfied, skeptical, quizzical, hesitant, suspicious, doubtful, unconvinced, disbelieving, distrustful, dubious, questioning, suspect, uncertain, wary, mistrustful, show-me

Examples from the Web for incredulous

Contemporary Examples of incredulous

I tried this twice and both drivers gave me an incredulous look before driving off.
The Life and Hard Times Of The Family A Cuban Defector Left Behind
Brin-Jonathan Butler
December 19, 2014
At the time, critics were incredulous that the show would work.
People Prefer ‘The Bachelor’ to ‘The Bachelorette.’ Why? It’s Science.
Brandy Zadrozny
July 1, 2014
Discussing the popular television program All in the Family, Nixon was incredulous at a positive portrayal of gay characters.
Gay Men and the Presidents Who Loved Them
James Kirchick
June 24, 2014
On Wednesday, Republican Senator John McCain was incredulous about this decision.
U.S. Waited Months to Send Ukraine Spare Tires
Eli Lake
May 16, 2014
For the judge who is incredulous, Martin again offers two simple words: “Excuuuuuse me!”
Change the Constitution in Six Easy Steps? It Won’t Be That Simple, Justice Stevens
Richard L. Hasen
April 20, 2014

Historical Examples of incredulous

The exclamation came from the girl in a note of incredulous astonishment.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
In the beginning it was incredulous about some of the details.
K
Mary Roberts Rinehart
Wilson's voice showed that he was more than incredulous; he was profoundly moved.
K
Mary Roberts Rinehart
Chip nodded, half suffocated with crowding, incredulous hopes.
Chip, of the Flying U
B. M. Bower
She saw the lift of her head, the incredulous, resentful look in her eyes.
Her Father's Daughter
Gene Stratton-Porter

British Dictionary definitions for incredulous

incredulous

adjective

(often foll by of) not prepared or willing to believe (something); unbelieving

Derived Formsincredulously, adverbincredulousness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for incredulous

adj.

"unbelieving," 1570s, from Latin incredulus "unbelieving, incredulous," from in- "not" (see in- (1)) + credulus (see credulous). Formerly also of religious beliefs. Related: Incredulously; incredulousness.