Search Dictionary
Definition of incredulous

incredulous

/ɪnˈkrɛdʒələs/
in · cred · u · lous
Adverb:incredulously
JUMP TO:

incredulous Lexical Profile

incredulous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Unwilling or unable to believe something; feeling or expressing disbelief.

Example

"She gave him an incredulous stare when he claimed to have finished the entire project in an hour."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for incredulous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for incredulous

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'incredible'; 'incredulous' describes a person who is unwilling or unable to believe something, whereas 'incredible' describes something that is so extraordinary it is difficult to believe.

• Rhymes for incredulous

• Nearby Words

incredible
incredibly
incredulity
incredulous
incredulously
incredulousness
increment

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin 'incredulus', formed from the negative prefix 'in-' ('not') and 'credulus' ('believing, trusting'), from the verb 'credere' ('to believe').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Incredulous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/incredulous
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.