quizzical

[ kwiz-i-kuhl ]

/ ˈkwɪz ɪ kəl /

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See synonyms for quizzical on Thesaurus.com

adjective

odd, queer, or comical.

questioning or puzzled: a quizzical expression on her face.

derisively questioning, ridiculing, or chaffing.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of quizzical

First recorded in 1790–1800; quiz + -ical

OTHER WORDS FROM quizzical

quiz·zi·cal·i·ty, quiz·zi·cal·ness, nounquiz·zi·cal·ly, adverbun·quiz·zi·cal, adjectiveun·quiz·zi·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby quizzical

quixotism, quiz, quiz kid, quizmaster, quiz program, quizzical, Qum, Qumran, Qungur, quoad hoc, quo animo?

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use quizzical in a sentence

Jack was 6 months old, all cheeks and smiles and full quizzical eyebrows, a delight we never got to share.
My Kids Can't Get Vaccinated Yet, and I'm Barely Keeping It Together|Katie Gutierrez|December 20, 2021|Time
He’s not exactly tortured, but he is quizzical, an eternal seeker of truth as well as truffles.
In Pig, Nicolas Cage Plays a Grouchy, Meditative Hermit—and Gives His Best Performance in Years|Stephanie Zacharek|July 15, 2021|Time
Charles raised a quizzical eyebrow and it fell to his son to tell him, "Pa, you should be pleased!"
William Tells Dad, "You're Buff, Pa!"|Tom Sykes|July 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Or perhaps name it after Pooh himself, with his quizzical faith in human (animal) nature?
Michael Tomasky on How Obama Needs to Make Mitt Unacceptable Again|Michael Tomasky|October 10, 2012|DAILY BEAST

All of these tricks forced a furrowing of the brow, a quizzical expression, and the use of a little brain power to digest it all.
Paris Fall 2012 Fashion Week: Haider Ackermann, Lanvin, and Comme des Garçons|Robin Givhan|March 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST
She gave me a quizzical look,” recounts the president, “her slate-grey eyes widening as she tilted her head gently forward.
The Princess and the President|Eric Pape|September 23, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Osmond Orgreave entered the room, quizzical, and at once began to tease Clayhanger about the infrequency of his visits.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
"I don't know whether I like you or not," replied Edna, gazing down at the little woman with a quizzical look.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
The look in her face was quizzical, yet there was a strange, elusive gravity in her eyes, an almost pathetic appealing.
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete|Gilbert Parker
Looking around, he saw the guide had flung aside his blanket and was sitting erect, with a quizzical expression on his face.
Two Boys in Wyoming|Edward S. Ellis
On one sits a tiny boy with a quizzical intelligent little face.
Round the Wonderful World|G. E. Mitton

British Dictionary definitions for quizzical

quizzical

/ (ˈkwɪzɪkəl) /

adjective

questioning and mocking or superciliousa quizzical look

Derived forms of quizzical

quizzicality, nounquizzically, adverb

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

quizzical

Origin of quizzical

OTHER WORDS FROM quizzical

Words nearby quizzical

Words related to quizzical

How to use quizzical in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for quizzical

Derived forms of quizzical