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
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
The mock ad featured a smiling woman holding a gun and kneeling beside a dog.
—Lorraine Ali
news, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026
To refuse to change yourself, to embrace your imperfect smile or your natural hair texture, was sedition, and it would not be tolerated.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smile
Verb
But Pep Biel’s two goals and Idan Toklomati’s one score were enough to leave the crowd of 35,611 people in Bank of America Stadium smiling.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
The mock ad featured a smiling woman holding a gun and kneeling beside a dog.
—Lorraine Ali
news, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
Growing up, her mother instilled in her a sense of pride and confidence in her smile.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026
To refuse to change yourself, to embrace your imperfect smile or your natural hair texture, was sedition, and it would not be tolerated.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile
Verb
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On the short walk from the changing rooms to the outdoor saunas — despite banya hats flying off and robes coming undone in the sub-30-degree weather — the sauna-goers were grinning.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Mamdani emerged from this shroud of mystery triumphant, posting a photograph on X of himself, firmly straight-faced, standing alongside the grinning President.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And the sketches made people laugh.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
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This World Premiere buddy comedy will warm your heart and leave you laughing long after the lanterns go out.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Reaves couldn’t muster even a smirk – his 3-point attempt to tie the game as time expired on Thursday, and potentially send the Lakers to overtime with the Phoenix Suns, didn’t drop.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Today, a Michigan coach might meet that saying with a smirk.—
Chantel Jennings,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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