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Definition of askance

askance

/əˈskæns/
as · kance
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askance Lexical Profile

askance Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

With an attitude or look of suspicion, skepticism, or disapproval.

Example

"Traditional scholars initially looked askance at the researcher's unconventional methodology."

2

With a sideways or indirect glance; obliquely.

Example

"The portrait shows the nobleman glancing askance over his left shoulder."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Almost exclusively used after verbs of perception—most notably in the fixed collocation 'look askance at'—to indicate skepticism, disapproval, or mistrust.

• Rhymes for askance

• Nearby Words

asinine
asininely
ask
askance
asker
askew
asleep

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Askance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/askance
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