quizzical

adjective

ˈkwi-zi-kəl How to pronounce quizzical (audio)
Definition of quizzicalnext
as in joking
marked by or expressive of mild or good-natured teasing my puns are usually greeted with loud quizzical groans by my so-called friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quizzical Carpenter responded with a quizzical frown. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Lane was gifted with that kind of face and personality, too, replete with diagonal eyebrows that join his cheekbones in a quizzical demeanor that, throughout his career, has signaled the joys of life. — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026 There won’t be any TikTok dances near Amen Corner, nor quizzical reels filmed with Jason Kelce under the Big Oak. — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 6 Apr. 2026 When the film won, many in the media room at BAFTA turned to each other with a quizzical look. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quizzical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quizzical
  1. sarcastic
  2. mocking
Adjective
  • Eidra pushes her tendency to get glib and sarcastic rather than risk being vulnerable and honest to its farthest limits.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The interest has been driven largely by the brand's casual, sarcastic tone and active participation in online trends.
    — Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • To get a sense of his whole deal, look no further than the half-mocking, half-earnest title of his latest album, Country!
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025
Definition of mocking

Browse Nearby Words

quizzes
quizzical
quizzically
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Cite this Entry

“Quizzical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quizzical. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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