slang
: an expression made with one's eyes that suggests a smile
… Jean himself is usually only seen for a moment, during which he raises an eyebrow and hits the viewer with his signature smize.—Leah Asmelash
I'm not really [emulating] the exact walk, but more of the gestures and mannerisms—small things, like a little smize.—Angel Reese, quoted at vogue.com

smize

2 of 2

verb

smized; smizing; smizes

intransitive verb

slang
: to create an expression with one's eyes that suggests a smile
One snap in the series of photos captured the singer with her arms above her head, leaning back as she smized into the camera.—Nicole Wert
Antonio took off his sunglasses for an indoor shot, expertly smizing next to Nicole as the pair wrapped their arms around each other.—Chikamso Chukwuenyem

Examples of smize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
On a table below them, a framed photo of Lester’s smizing headshot was adorned with flowers and votive candles. — Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 15 Jan. 2026 Next, Jisoo smiled along with the smizing duo Willow and Anya Taylor-Joy. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025 Williams has one arm in a sling but is otherwise up and smizing for the camera. — Shania Russell, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of smize entry 2

Verb

probably blend of smile entry 1 and eyes, plural of eye entry 1

Note: Introduction of the word is credited to the American model and producer Tyra Banks, who used it during Cycle 13 (September, 2009) of the reality television series America's Next Top Model.

First Known Use

Noun

2009, in the meaning defined above

Verb

2009, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smize was in 2009

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Cite this Entry

“Smize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smize. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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