incredulous
Americanadjective
-
not credulous; disinclined or indisposed to believe; skeptical
-
indicating or showing unbelief.
an incredulous smile.
adjective
Related Words
See doubtful.
Other Word Forms
- incredulously adverb
- incredulousness noun
Etymology
Origin of incredulous
From the Latin word incrēdulus, dating back to 1525–35; in- 3, credulous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Curious onlookers filmed the scene on their smartphones, many still incredulous at the speed and magnitude of the day's events.
From Barron's • Jan. 4, 2026
His own father was so incredulous that a coach like Harbaugh considered Simpson to be a legitimate quarterback prospect that he asked the Michigan coach to explain his interest.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025
There would be incredulous Muscovites who could not square the idea of a salad bar.
From Slate • Nov. 13, 2025
“There’s a dad that’s not doing it,” she repeated — less incredulous than reproving now.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025
“Are you screaming at me,” my father said, incredulous, “at me, your father. You-you-you my own flesh and blood,” he stammered.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
