rictus

noun

Definition of rictusnext
as in smirk

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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 rictus One of the boys had turned back to the crowd, face skin twisted around wild eyes, red cheeks about to rip apart from the rictus. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 18 May 2026 Its sheer loveliness almost completely undermines the menace of that rictus on the cover. — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026 Unlike Cesar Romero’s Joker from the child-friendly TV Batman, cheery and inane, Jack Nicholson’s version is fully monstrous—sneering and sadistic, his dead eyes obscene next to his rictus grin. — The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2025 There’s even the demand for NDAs and a magazine photoshoot at the enormous house, with everyone smiling their rictus grins. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 Oldman’s features gradually freeze into a rictus of despair, and the lights go out. — Houman Barekat, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 The Mirror and the Light opens with that profoundly disturbing execution, Foy a pale rictus of fear and vulnerability as she is led to the block, where she is blindfolded and positioned before the executioner’s sword. — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025 With their teeth bared in a frozen rictus grin, this couple appears to be hiding a darkness which we are left only to guess at. — Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rictus
  1. smirk
  2. snarl
  3. sneer
  4. growl
  5. simper
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
Noun
  • Someone like Mason Marchment — who can score and play with snarl — could be a multi-year option, but giving out long-term deals to free agents in their 30s is risky, especially considering the current state of the Rangers.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Downtown traffic is a snarl and parking isn’t easy even on routine days.
    — Howard Cohen June 24, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Definition of snarl
Noun
  • The film’s sincerity — the quality critics praised most — was met with a sneer rather than a response.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • With his rakish sneer and ruthlessly tight jodhpurs, Rupert has been thoroughly neutered with irony, transformed into an object for women to pick at.
    — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Definition of sneer
Noun
  • Dodd recites it from memory in Wolverine’s voice with a growl.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • From somewhere behind her, a bandmate gives off a death metal growl.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 7 July 2026
Definition of growl
Noun
  • Sandoval, in comparison, sneers and simpers to no success whatsoever; his bad behavior, on and off The Traitors, yields nothing.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Today’s announcement marks the emergence of a new GE, a high-tech industrial GE — simper, stronger, a more focused company at the core.
    — Jon Chesto, BostonGlobe.com, 26 June 2018
Definition of simper

Browse Nearby Words

ricochets
rictus
rictuses
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Cite this Entry

“Rictus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rictus. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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