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Definition of quizzical

quizzical

/ˈkwɪz.ɪ.kəl/
quiz · zi · cal
Adverb:quizzically
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quizzical Lexical Profile

quizzical Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Indicating mild or amused perplexity, curiosity, or questioning (especially of a person's facial expression or tone of voice).

Example

"She raised an eyebrow and gave him a quizzical look when he announced his sudden plan to move abroad."

2

Gently mocking, teasing, or bantering in a whimsical or eccentric way.

Example

"The essay was written in a quizzical tone that poked gentle fun at academic pretension."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for quizzical

• Nearby Words

quiz
quizmaster
quizzer
quizzical
quizzically
quokka
quoll

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century from the older sense of the noun 'quiz' (an eccentric or odd person, or an act of teasing), which is of uncertain origin, combined with the suffix '-ical'.

Cite this Entry

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