quizzical

[ kwiz-i-kuh l ]

/ ˈkwɪz ɪ kəl /

SEE MORE 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.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

quixotism, quiz, quiz kid, quiz program, quizmaster, quizzical, quizzically, qum, qumran, qungur, quo

Origin of quizzical

First recorded in 1790–1800; quiz + -ical

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for quizzical

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

Mrs Fanshawe hitched herself still further into her corner and smiled a lazy, quizzical smile.
The Independence of Claire|Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
A hand dropped on his shoulder, and Dale glanced swiftly up to meet the quizzical, inquiring gaze of Mr. Curtis.
Under Boy Scout Colors|Joseph Bushnell Ames
"I'm not aware that ye have killed that yit," interrupted the Irish lad in his quizzical fashion.
The Hunters of the Ozark|Edward S. Ellis
Then he pinched her smooth cheek with a quizzical thumb and forefinger.
Gigolo|Edna Ferber
"Ah, come on now, Judgie," turning her quizzical head to one side.
Under the Law|Edwina Stanton Babcock

British Dictionary definitions for quizzical

quizzical

/ (ˈkwɪzɪkəl) /

adjective

questioning and mocking or superciliousa quizzical look

Derived Formsquizzicality, 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

Word Origin and History for quizzical

quizzical

adj.

1789, from quiz "odd or eccentric person" (1782), of unknown origin (see quiz (n.)) + -ical. Related: Quizzically.