quizzical

[kwiz-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. odd, queer, or comical.

2. questioning or puzzled.

   a quizzical expression on her face.

3. derisively questioning, ridiculing, or chaffing.

quizzical

/ ˈkwɪzɪkəl /

adjective

1. questioning and mocking or supercilious

   a quizzical look

Other Word Forms

• quizzicality noun
• quizzically adverb
• quizzicalness noun
• unquizzical adjective
• unquizzically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of quizzical¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; quiz + -ical

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This explained some of the quizzical looks aimed in Postecoglou's direction after his ambitious words, but he was merely outlining his track record.

Read more on BBC

We will miss the quizzical expression, and the raised left eyebrow, as he fielded questions.

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She flashed quizzical glances when he said something patently absurd, looked unimpressed when he hurled insults.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It can be a quizzical expression or a blank stare based on the level of knowledge of the words just spoken.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• incredulous 
• mocking 
• sardonic