eyebrow-raising
Causing visible surprise
Eyebrow-raising describes something surprising, shocking, or worthy of skepticism—the kind of thing that makes you literally or figuratively raise an eyebrow in response.
An eyebrow-raising revelation might be scandalous; an eyebrow-raising claim invites doubt: The report contained some eyebrow-raising statistics about executive pay.
Not anticipated beforehand
- astonishingCausing great wonder
- startlingCausing sudden surprise
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
- remarkableWorthy of attention
unbelievable · extraordinary · astounding · unpredictable · double-take · whoa · stunning · incredible
Lack of firm belief
- incredulityInability to accept something
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
quizzical · unconvinced · scrutiny · cynicism · wary · distrust · leery · dubious
Morally offensive or shocking
- outrageousShockingly bad or excessive
- appallingInspiring horror or disgust
- jaw-droppingExtremely surprising or impressive
- gaspingBreathing in sharp gulps
audacious · brazen · shameless · provocative · indecent · improper · taboo · offensive
Dryly mocking in tone
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- smirkPleased, superior smile
- bemusedMildly confused, distracted
- ironicExpressing contrary meaning
droll · tongue-in-cheek · deadpan · sarcastic · witty · arch · teasing · mocking
Eager to learn
- mysteriousBeyond easy comprehension
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
- puzzlingCausing confusion or bewilderment
- enigmaticPuzzling and obscure
peculiar · odd · strange · fishy · questionable · shady · sketchy · dubious
unexpected
Not anticipated beforehand
- astonishingCausing great wonder
- startlingCausing sudden surprise
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
remarkable · unbelievable · extraordinary · astounding · unpredictable · double-take · whoa · stunning · incredible · phenomenal
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- incredulityInability to accept something
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
suspicion · quizzical · unconvinced · scrutiny · cynicism · wary · distrust · leery · dubious · side-eye
scandalous
Morally offensive or shocking
- outrageousShockingly bad or excessive
- appallingInspiring horror or disgust
- jaw-droppingExtremely surprising or impressive
gasping · audacious · brazen · shameless · provocative · indecent · improper · taboo · offensive · controversial
wry
Dryly mocking in tone
ironic · droll · tongue-in-cheek · deadpan · sarcastic · witty · arch · teasing · mocking · sly
curious
Eager to learn
- mysteriousBeyond easy comprehension
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
- puzzlingCausing confusion or bewilderment
enigmatic · peculiar · odd · strange · fishy · questionable · shady · sketchy · dubious · clandestine
eyebrow-raisingmundane
Commonplace, lacking excitement
unremarkable · unsurprising · ordinary · expected · predictable
eyebrow-raisingunimpeachable
Beyond criticism or doubt
above reproach · unobjectionable · innocuous · unremarkable · uncontroversial
eyebrow, brow, eyes, eyeing, eyeless, eyelid, eyelet, eyepiece, eyesight