Synonyms of grimace

grimace 1 of 2

verb

as in to scowl

to distort one's face

playgoers grimaced at the actor's terrible attempt at a French accent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scowl
• frown
• stare
• sneer
• smirk
• mouth
• glare
• make a face
• mug
• snarl
• growl
• gaze
• pout
• pull a face
• contort
• glower
• deform
• gape
• gloom
• warp
• ogle
• twist
• simper
• lower

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smile
• beam
• grin

grimace

2 of 2

noun

ˈgri-məs 

as in scowl

a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval

he made a grimace when he tasted the medicine

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scowl
• frown
• smirk
• mouth
• pout
• moue
• face
• wince
• stare
• sneer
• snarl
• look
• lower
• growl
• mow
• glare
• mug
• flinch
• snoot
• rictus
• glower
• squinch
• scoff
• simper

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smile
• laugh
• grin

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of grimace

Verb

But the Canadian dug in to hold, and Djokovic was still grimacing in pain in between points. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 7 July 2026

Adames departed Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Braves due to back spasms after striking out to end the seventh inning, noticeably grimacing during the follow-through of his swing. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

Noun

Charlie Lindgren’s grimace was evident behind his mask. — Bailey Johnson, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2026

But as his play-by-play partner and Thursday night’s emcee, Eric Collins, geared up to invite another guest up to the podium, the big smile Curry had had at the ready all evening turned into a grimace. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026