plural smirks
: a smile that shows a smug, condescending, or self-satisfied attitude
A former prosecutor, she deploys an interrogation style that is impatient and knowing, almost amused. The eyebrows go up, a faint smirk plays around the lips: you might as well fess up.—
Dana Goodyear
Dana GoodyearAs Frank Cross, the arrogant and abusive television network programming exec in this uproarious update of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, [Bill] Murray offers viewers everything they like about him—sarcastic smirks, disgusted eye-rolls.—Doug Brod
Doug BrodAnd while circulation is certainly declining, nearly 50 million people in the U.S. still buy a daily newspaper. So wipe that smirk off your face, Web triumphalists.—Jennifer Saba
Jennifer Saba
smirked; smirking; smirks
1
intransitive
: to smile in a smug, condescending, or self-satisfied way
"I seem to have touched a nerve," said Malfoy, smirking.—J. K. Rowling
J. K. RowlingCluny lay back and smirked. Everything was going according to plan.—Brian Jacques
Brian JacquesSome Americans from "old" families likewise smirked behind their napkins at the arriviste's fancy new silver-plate fish set …—Douglas Brenner
Douglas Brenner… they're smirking about the very idea of political seriousness.—Kurt Andersen
Kurt Andersen"Yeah, sure, Ma," I'd say, smirking and rolling my eyes at my husband.—Anna Marie Dell'oso
Anna Marie Dell'oso2
transitive
: to say or express (something) with a smirk
"No problem," he smirked when I apologized for my wimpiness.—Michael Behar
Michael BeharExamples of smirk in a Sentence
Verb
She tried not to smirk when they announced the winner.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brittany Talarico, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
In group settings, Edelman was good for a clip on the local news, making a wry joke about his own passing abilities, the opposing team or Brady with a smirk on his face.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 6 May 2025
Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2025
Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina was at one point seen smirking with his head in his hand.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smirk
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.
Noun
Aimee Lou Wood, who played Chelsea, couldn’t believe the attention on her toothy smirk.
—Brittany Talarico, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
In group settings, Edelman was good for a clip on the local news, making a wry joke about his own passing abilities, the opposing team or Brady with a smirk on his face.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 6 May 2025
Verb
The fast-food chain’s post even seemed to prompt Perry’s former friend Kesha to support the recommendation by posting a photo of herself smirking while sipping from a Wendy’s cup.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2025
Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina was at one point seen smirking with his head in his hand.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smirk
Cite this Entry
“Smirk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smirk. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share