QUIZZICAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does quizzical mean? 

• QUIZZICAL (adjective)
  The adjective QUIZZICAL has 2 senses:

1. playfully vexing (especially by ridicule)

2. perplexed (as if being expected to know something that you do not know)

  Familiarity information: QUIZZICAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• QUIZZICAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Playfully vexing (especially by ridicule)

Synonyms:

mocking; quizzical; teasing

Context example:

his face wore a somewhat quizzical almost impertinent air

Similar:

playful (full of fun and high spirits)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Perplexed (as if being expected to know something that you do not know)

Synonyms:

questioning; quizzical

Context example:

he had a quizzical expression

Similar:

perplexed (full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment)

 Context examples 

He favoured me with a quizzical smile.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

"Where did you learn all this sort of thing?" he asked with a quizzical look.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

His jaws slightly parted, his lips lifted a little, and a quizzical expression that was more love than humour came into his eyes.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

Joe read it with a drunken, quizzical leer.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

That's about it, isn't it, Madame Recamier? asked Laurie with a quizzical look at Amy.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

He stopped abruptly, and then on his lips formed one of his strange quizzical smiles, as he added:

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

He wanted desperately to go to Nice, but would not till he was asked, and Amy would not ask him, for just then she was having little experiences of her own, which made her rather wish to avoid the quizzical eyes of 'our boy'.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Wolf Larsen pursed his lips in a long, quizzical whistle.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)