as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
delivered the reprimand with a harsh and unsmiling face
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsmiling
So much for my unsmiling open mouth in my 2026 passport photo.
—
Paul Keane,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
In one, a worker bee barks like a Georgia bulldog at his unsmiling boss.
—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
2 Feb. 2026
Often taunted by tabloids for her unsmiling demeanor, Victoria shows off her sense of humor and gets real about some of the most difficult parts of her past, including her struggles with an eating disorder and almost losing her fashion business entirely.
—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
The single mother of three was at her job that morning when she was asked to report immediately to the front of the building, where Wainscott was met by police officers — who showed her a photo of an unsmiling man in his early 30s, with short brown hair and a light goatee.
—
Charlotte Observer,
2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsmiling
Paul Keane,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
In one, a worker bee barks like a Georgia bulldog at his unsmiling boss.
—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
2 Feb. 2026
Often taunted by tabloids for her unsmiling demeanor, Victoria shows off her sense of humor and gets real about some of the most difficult parts of her past, including her struggles with an eating disorder and almost losing her fashion business entirely.
—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
The single mother of three was at her job that morning when she was asked to report immediately to the front of the building, where Wainscott was met by police officers — who showed her a photo of an unsmiling man in his early 30s, with short brown hair and a light goatee.
—
Charlotte Observer,
2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsmiling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsmiling
Adjective
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To be fair, abducted 9-year-old Rainy is pretty cute, with solemn eyebrows and a conscience that continually puts her in peril.
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The once-rising developer’s solemn promise is not likely to be fulfilled if court records in his federal criminal case and a parallel Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit are any indication.
Adjective
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Judges have to throw the book at those arrested to teach them a stern lesson.
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However, for students graduating right now, Hammer can't really summon up anything stern to say.
Adjective
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What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
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The new guidance was heavily criticized by health groups, which argued the decision could sow confusion and leave children vulnerable to serious disease.
Cite this Entry
“Unsmiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsmiling. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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