quizzical

adjective

quiz·​zi·​cal ˈkwi-zi-kəl 

1

: comically quaint

a quizzical old man

2

: mildly teasing or mocking

a quizzical remark

3

: expressive of puzzlement, curiosity, or disbelief

raised a quizzical eyebrow

quizzicality

ˌkwi-zə-ˈka-lə-tē 

noun

quizzically

ˈkwi-zi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• bantering
• chaffing
• fooling
• funning
• jesting
• joking
• joshing
• kidding
• rallying
• razzing
• ribbing

Examples of quizzical in a Sentence

He gave me a quizzical look.

There was a quizzical expression on his face.

She raised a quizzical eyebrow when she saw what he was wearing.

Recent Examples on the Web

With his guitar held high and against his chest, his eyebrows cocked in that way that could be quizzical or menacing depending upon the setting, Matthews unleashed his quirky vocals. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024

There’s still a whisper of formalist Austrian chill in its quizzical, hands-off perspective and immaculately composed mise-en-scène: Albin Wildner’s lensing is crisp and bright and still, a restrained canvas for stark sight gags. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 1 Sep. 2024

Two weeks ago, Zaidi, made two downright outlandish claims after a quizzical series of moves. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2024

Scott’s Ripley is a man who has to practice every vocal intonation, every smile or quizzical look, every interaction. —Mark Harris, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

quizzical

adjective

quiz·​zi·​cal ˈkwiz-i-kəl 

1

: teasing in a good-natured way

2

a

: showing doubt in a good-natured way

b

: showing puzzlement or curiosity

quizzically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb