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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quizzical¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; quiz + -ical

Example Sentences

“Not yet,” she said, in answer to his quizzical look, “but I am beginning to feel quite close to catching a fish. Today might just be the day!”

Read more on Literature

Miss Mortimer gave her a quizzical look, and the speechless Mrs. Apple drew a question mark in the air with her fingertip as a way of asking if everything was all right.

Read more on Literature

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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• incredulous 
• mocking 
• sardonic