1
as in to grin
to express an emotion (as amusement) by curving the lips upward
the soldier smiled in pleasure when he saw the giant sign welcoming him home
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to laugh
to express scornful amusement by means of facial contortions
smiled at their ridiculous antics and walked away in disgust
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smile
Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Today, however, these folks seem to be incapable of smiling while carrying out their governmental duties or speaking to the press or to Congress.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Take Kate, whose every evocative smile is expressed by the luminous Leslie Bibb.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smile
Verb
Earlier this season, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson smiled when asked why players had become so enthused with Johnson.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Today, however, these folks seem to be incapable of smiling while carrying out their governmental duties or speaking to the press or to Congress.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
It may be masked by his refinement, hidden behind his boyish Christmas-morning smile.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Take Kate, whose every evocative smile is expressed by the luminous Leslie Bibb.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile
Verb
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The pilot, Jonathon Rae, a young Aussie with a dashing mustache, looked down and grinned.—
Susan Casey,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Mann’s hilarious Brad says to Ben, grinning nervously and clapping his hands in an attempt to make friends.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Scott Adams, who kept cubicle denizens laughing for more than three decades with Dilbert, the bitingly funny comic strip that poked fun at the absurdity of corporate life, before racist remarks got him pink-slipped, died Tuesday.—
Chris Koseluk,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
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Snoop Dogg called out as the audience laughed.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In the video, Castela sings these words with a knowing smirk.—
Carolina Abbott Galvão,
The Dial,
6 Jan. 2026
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Cohen, meanwhile, couldn’t remove a satisfied smirk from his face.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
1 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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