quizzical
Americanadjective
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odd, queer, or comical.
-
questioning or puzzled.
a quizzical expression on her face.
-
derisively questioning, ridiculing, or chaffing.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of quizzical
Explanation
Quizzical usually means puzzled or questioning, though it can also mean confused, surprised, comical, or mocking. If someone's looking at you with a quizzical expression when you mention your summer, it might mean they don't know about your adventures at space camp. The word quiz tucked inside quizzical should help you remember the idea of questioning that this adjective often suggests. The word also comes in handy to describe being eccentric or odd, as well as skeptical or derisive. You raise a quizzical eyebrow every time you see me in my giant fur hat. Does that mean you don’t like it?
Vocabulary lists containing quizzical
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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Emotions on Display
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 8
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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.
I got several quizzical looks and perhaps a snicker.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 8, 2026
But you should cut this quizzical bank teller some slack.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2025
One of them, Joseph Flores, glided toward a student table to help a girl with a quizzical expression.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 11, 2025
We will miss the quizzical expression, and the raised left eyebrow, as he fielded questions.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2024
In response, I merely passed to her my record book, which with quizzical countenance, she turned through.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson
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.
