Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Incredulous
Doubtful; unbelieving
adjectiveCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
After hearing from the accused, the jurors found the story doubtful, and came to a conclusion that the man was guilty.
🔊
Sounds Like
in-KRED-yuh-luhs
👀
Looks Like
in(not)credible (believable)
📝
Remember This
Remember that incredulous comes from Latin incredulus meaning 'unbelieving'; the prefix in- negates, and cred- relates to belief. It is often confused with incredible, which means extraordinary or hard to believe.
📚
Other Forms
Incredulitynoun
Incredulouslyadverb
🔗
Connect With
skepticism, disbelief, credulity, doubt
📌
Note
Do not confuse incredulous with incredible. Incredulous describes a doubtful, unbelieving attitude; incredible describes something extraordinary or hard to believe.
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The audience was incredulous at the magician's escape act.
- She gave an incredulous laugh when she learned she had won the contest.
Synonyms
doubtfulskepticalunbelievingdisbelievingcynical
Antonyms
credulousbelievingtrusting
Etymology
From Latin incredulus 'unbelieving', formed from in- (not) + credulus (believing); related to the English word incredible.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: IN + CRED + UL + OUS = not credulous (not believing). Remember that 'cred' means believe and the prefix 'in-' negates it.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Tangential
adjectiveDescribing something that is only superficially related to the main topic or digressing from it; also, in geometry, relating to or touching a tangent.
Deride
verbTo mock or ridicule someone; to express contempt for by laughing at or making fun of them.
Preclude
verbTo prevent something from happening; to make something impossible.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.