quizzical
Eyebrow slightly raised
Quizzical describes a mildly puzzled or questioning expression, often with a hint of amusement: She gave him a quizzical look.
The word suggests gentle curiosity rather than deep confusion—the slightly raised eyebrow, the tilted head.
A quizzical smile indicates bemused uncertainty: He had a quizzical way of responding to her complaints.
Incomplete facial expression
Seeking information actively
- inquisitiveEager to learn more
- probingThoroughly investigating something
- searchingLooking to find
- interestedEager to know more
wondering · intrigued · attentive · observant · examining · studying · contemplating
Utterly unable to understand
- bewilderedThoroughly puzzled and confused
- confusedUnable to understand
- perplexedThoroughly confused, uncertain
- mystifiedUtterly unable to understand
nonplussed · flummoxed · befuddled · disconcerted · uncertain · disoriented · dumbfounded · confounded
Uncertain of truth
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- disbelievingRefusing to accept something
- unconvincedNot yet believing
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
incredulous · questioning · challenging · leery · wary · distrustful · mistrustful · unpersuaded
half-smile
Incomplete facial expression
inquiring
Seeking information actively
- inquisitiveEager to learn more
- probingThoroughly investigating something
- searchingLooking to find
interested · wondering · intrigued · attentive · observant · examining · studying · contemplating
baffled
Utterly unable to understand
- bewilderedThoroughly puzzled and confused
- confusedUnable to understand
- perplexedThoroughly confused, uncertain
mystified · nonplussed · flummoxed · befuddled · disconcerted · uncertain · disoriented · dumbfounded · confounded · stumped
doubtful
Uncertain of truth
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- disbelievingRefusing to accept something
- unconvincedNot yet believing
suspicious · incredulous · questioning · challenging · leery · wary · distrustful · mistrustful · unpersuaded · guarded
playful
Inclined toward fun
- mischievousPlayfully causing trouble
- impishPlayfully mischievous in manner
- roguishMischievously charming
tongue-in-cheek · bantering · whimsical · arch · coy · sly · knowing · needling · ribbing
- expressionsexpression, I love you, phrase, idioms, thank you
- mysteriousmysterious, cryptic, enigmatic, arcane, obscure
quizzicalcertain
Free from doubt
understanding · knowing · comprehending · assured · confident
quizzicalincurious
Lacking desire to learn
unquestioning · indifferent · apathetic · disinterested · unconcerned