moue

as in grimace
a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval a moue of distaste at the display of bad manners

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of moue In her trademark cat-eye glasses, with her bitter-lemon moue, Hoffman, as Moth, is comedy just standing there; Harada, as Mustardseed, a warmth machine. New York Times, 24 Oct. 2021 Not just any moue, either, but a supermoue—a whole cultural attitude distilled into a single boffff. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moue
Noun
  • Thomas turned around and squeezed DeChambeau’s leg with anxiety, his face in a nervous grimace.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Per the season's sneak peek, this year's voyage pairs steamy trysts among the crew with some grimace-worthy incidents, from jellyfish sightings and jet ski accidents (and what looks to be a lone charter guest floating out to sea on a raft).
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • If Simmons’ Demon was Kiss’ scowl, then Frehley’s Spaceman was its cackle.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
  • After a beat, Eilish is seen yanking herself away and storms off, surrounded by security with an angry scowl on her face.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The story of Western civilization is for the most part a collection of tales told by, for, and about the ruling families whose smile was fortune and whose frown was death.
    Henry Freedland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But Thursday, as Latu relived the play in the locker room, his frustration manifested itself into a frown.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That almost makes up for the confessional interview done with a snorkel in his mouth.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Stause is shown having foundation applied to her face while Peace holds a makeup puff in his mouth.
    Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Recently, Clarins added soothing raspberry water and free-radical-fighting nipplewort (yes, that’s a real plant), so every swipe feels like a mini spa treatment for your pout.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm Gloss, which grants just this kind of effect with its complex of hyaluronic acid and over 10 superfruits that smooth out lip lines and make for a plumper-looking pout.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Moue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moue. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

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