raising eyebrows
Expressing wordless doubt
Raising eyebrows describes causing surprise, skepticism, or mild disapproval.
The phrase comes from the involuntary facial expression people make when startled or dubious.
Something that raises eyebrows attracts attention for being unusual or questionable: Her decision to quit law school raised eyebrows among her family.
The expression can signal anything from genuine shock to quiet judgment.
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- startleFrighten suddenly
- bewildermentState of being baffled
disbelief · incredulity · jolt · stun · gape · gawk · dumbfound · flabbergast
Secret plotting or fascination
- interestAttention, stake, or fee
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- fascinationIntense absorbed interest
- inquisitivenessEager desire to learn
questioning · pondering · quizzical · puzzlement · perplexed · curious · intrigued · piqued
Disapproving facial expression
- scowlAngry facial expression
- disdainScornful disregard
- contemptDisdainful disregard
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
criticism · censure · condemnation · reproach · judgmental · disapprobation · objection · glare
Lack of firm belief
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
- cynicismDistrust of human sincerity
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
distrust · uncertainty · wariness · dubious · unconvinced · leery · mistrust · reservation
astonishment
Intense sudden wonder
bewilderment · disbelief · incredulity · jolt · stun · gape · gawk · dumbfound · flabbergast · thunderstruck
intrigue
Secret plotting or fascination
- interestAttention, stake, or fee
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- fascinationIntense absorbed interest
inquisitiveness · questioning · pondering · quizzical · puzzlement · perplexed · curious · intrigued · piqued · bemused
frown
Disapproving facial expression
displeasure · criticism · censure · condemnation · reproach · judgmental · disapprobation · objection · glare · grimace
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
- cynicismDistrust of human sincerity
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
scrutiny · distrust · uncertainty · wariness · dubious · unconvinced · leery · mistrust · reservation · second-guessing
- ventriloquism suppliesventriloquist dummy, puppet, hand puppet, headstick, control stick