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
Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
In 1972, the ever-smiling mother of a family band struggles to keep the family’s TV variety show and wholesome image going when Dad doesn’t turn up to the season finale taping.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
Nik Popli, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Grime Gran asked again with a smile.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smile
Verb
Among the reactions that survived, one user posted a thumbs up emoji and another left a smiling face.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
In 1972, the ever-smiling mother of a family band struggles to keep the family’s TV variety show and wholesome image going when Dad doesn’t turn up to the season finale taping.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
That race ended with the elder Cuomo coming in second with 40% of the vote—a number the son invoked in his concession speech with a rueful smile.
—Nik Popli, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Grime Gran asked again with a smile.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile
Verb
-
The water-resistant design features a grinning bird in a pilgrim hat perched atop a giant pumpkin adorned with a festive greeting.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Irwin said, grinning ear-to-ear.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In another image, the Chinese leader appears to grin with his eyes shut, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi laughing by his side.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The grandmas who pass down recipes, the sisters who keep us laughing, the besties who show up with love, and the moms who make sure the table is full.—
Essence,
Essence,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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That comment and a smirk from Holly pushed her over the edge.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
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As Hedda battles with herself, there’s a rage simmering underneath every smirk and every one of her bleak and destructive actions.—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang,
Refinery29,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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