grimace 1 of 2

verb

Definition of grimacenext
as in to scowl
to distort one's face playgoers grimaced at the actor's terrible attempt at a French accent

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grimace

2 of 2

noun

ˈgri-məs How to pronounce grimace (audio)
as in scowl
a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval he made a grimace when he tasted the medicine

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 grimace
Verb
Murdaugh was grimacing and biting his lower lip during the exchange. — Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 On Wallace’s third attempt, David accepts the letter while grimacing. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 27 June 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 See All Example Sentences for grimace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grimace
  1. scowl
  2. frown
  3. stare
  4. smirk
  5. sneer
  6. mouth
Verb
  • As a 7-year-old, I’d entertain my father’s friends, at their weekly pickup game at a Bronx barn-house gymnasium, by imitating his game face—bottom lip jutting, eyes scowling.
    — Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026
  • Modern tiki tends to take a lighter touch, using more abstract graphics, less imagery of women and scowling gods.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Definition of scowl
Noun
  • Numbers might be up, but frowns are also up.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • Turning a smile into a frown, or a frown into a smile.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 June 2026
Definition of frown
Verb
  • Inside the latest post-loss clubhouse, multiple players sat at their lockers in silence, staring at their phones or blankly ahead.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • This paragon of patience is staring at an uncertain future and wearing thin.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 21 July 2026
Definition of stare
Noun
  • His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Robinson appeared to furrow his brow and smirk as the text messages about the engravings were displayed in the courtroom.
    — Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of smirk
Verb
  • Nobody sneered at authority and received wisdom more than Johnny Rotten.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • Cassie’s OnlyFans adventures, for interest, were depicted with a kind of sneering derision toward the character’s poor judgement and lack of savvy.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 June 2026
Definition of sneer
Verb
  • Trump has been willing to mouth these words.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
  • To sterilize empty jars, set them mouth up on the rack in a boiling-water canner.
    — Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2026
Definition of mouth

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Cite this Entry

“Grimace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grimace. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of grimace for Spanish Speakers

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