keep a straight face

phrase

: to not smile or laugh

It was hard to keep a straight face with everyone else laughing.

Browse Nearby Words

keep a sharp eye on

keep a straight face

keep at

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Keep a straight face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20a%20straight%20face. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

keep a straight face

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

mea culpa

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Games & Quizzes