questioning
Americanadjective
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indicating or implying a question.
a questioning tone in her voice.
-
characterized by or indicating intellectual curiosity; inquiring.
an alert and questioning mind.
noun
adjective
-
proceeding from or characterized by a feeling of doubt or uncertainty
-
enthusiastic or eager for philosophical or other investigations; intellectually stimulated
an alert and questioning mind
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of questioning
Explanation
Questioning is an appeal or demand for an answer, or for more information. Sometimes the police will bring a witness to a crime into the station for questioning. When you participate in questioning, you may very well have a questioning look on your face. As an adjective, questioning can mean "curious," "confused or perplexed," or even "skeptical." If you show up at school in a clown costume, your teachers and friends might look at you in a questioning way — or they may dive right into the questioning, demanding: "What on earth are you wearing?"
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.
Earlier in 2026 there was talk in the markets to the effect that some SoftBank insiders were questioning the wisdom of its chief executive’s unwavering commitment to OpenAI.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
He spent a couple of hours Friday questioning Peter Grossman about a web of trusts, companies and his wife’s cryptocurrency holdings.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026
Mary started treatment associated with the advanced disease - including teeth extractions - but David was questioning the diagnosis.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
The move might have some traders questioning if proponents of HODL—crypto investor lingo for “never sell Bitcoin” — are finally changing their tune, given the recent weakness.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
The questioning over for now, Wells refused to let Mary return home.
From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson
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.
