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
Relevance
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
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 smile
Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Newsom touted the effort in his 2024 salmon strategy, which featured a smiling photograph of Winnemem Wintu Chief and spiritual leader Caleen Sisk next to Chuck Bonham, then-director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
No one responded to Louise, but Bruce smiled an almost imperceptible smile.
—Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smile
Verb
Her friends were waiting on the sidewalk, smiling and holding hands.
—Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Newsom touted the effort in his 2024 salmon strategy, which featured a smiling photograph of Winnemem Wintu Chief and spiritual leader Caleen Sisk next to Chuck Bonham, then-director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
One of his favorite treats is Oreo cookies, which always bring a smile to his face.
—Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
No one responded to Louise, but Bruce smiled an almost imperceptible smile.
—Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile
Verb
-
Hill appeared to grin in his booking photo.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Swift flashed her old mine brilliant cut ring to the camera while Kelce grinned wide.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
New rom-com 'The Drama' is no laughing matterNeed a news break?—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Then last Tuesday in the Brewers-Rays game, Bucknor blew a call at first base that was so obviously wrong, both managers could be seen laughing at the replay on the scoreboard.—
Bill Madden,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Barcelona, created by a small group of rock-and-roll writers from Buenos Aires, approached news stories from Argentina and around the world with a smirk.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Gates, no relation to Antonio, offers a shrug and a smirk.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
