adj · noun · verb · 10 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
/ˈkwɛs.t͡ʃə.nɪŋ/
/ˈkwɛs.tjə.nɪŋ/
/ˈkwɛʃ.t͡ʃə.nɪŋ/
US, also:/ˈkwɛʃ.tə.nɪŋ/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:K W EH1 S CH AH0 N IH0 NG
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Characterized by questions, inquisitiveness, doubt, or wonder; quizzical.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable, usually
Examples
Why do you have a questioning look? Are you puzzled about something?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adj
Meaning 2
Unsure of one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable, usually
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
The action of asking questions; a survey; an inquiry.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
The act of challenging, wondering, and doubting.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
Interrogation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
verb
Meaning 6
present participle and gerund of question
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
adjective satellite
Meaning 7
showing curiosity
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
if someone saw a man climbing a light post they might get inquisitive
raised a speculative eyebrow
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: inquisitive, speculative, wondering(a)
Antonyms: none provided
8
adjective satellite
Meaning 8
perplexed (as if being expected to know something that you do not know)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
he had a quizzical expression
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: quizzical
Antonyms: none provided
9
adjective satellite
Meaning 9
marked by or given to doubt
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
a skeptical attitude
a skeptical listener
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: doubting, skeptical, sceptical
Antonyms: none provided
10
noun
Meaning 10
a request for information
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.