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
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Researchers have been moving past these two basic categories of smiles to examine more nuanced types of smiles.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 27 June 2025
Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 14 July 2025
The weather was sublime, the food was tasty, Mummy was smiling.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for smile
Verb
But at least one part of the budget bill stands to help the less fortunate, while still bringing smiles to the faces of the investor class.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Researchers have been moving past these two basic categories of smiles to examine more nuanced types of smiles.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 27 June 2025
Noun
Advertisement Advertisement Cole Palmer looked perplexed and frustrated as Donald Trump stood in front of him, smiling and clapping, even as FIFA President Gianni Infantino could be seen unsuccessfully urging the U.S. President to move aside so as not to obstruct the team’s celebrations.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 14 July 2025
The weather was sublime, the food was tasty, Mummy was smiling.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for smile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile
Verb
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The idea sprang from a selfie with Drake, in which the pair are seen grinning broadly.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
4 July 2025
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The Jasper five gathered at the front of the House chamber, braving the intimidating stares of grinning committee members who were likely excited to hear from someone without gray hair.—
Anna Cecil,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Verb
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Asked by a reporter this week to describe the journey of her tennis career, Amanda Anisimova paused, then laughed.—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
11 July 2025
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From left: Betty laughs in her armchair, and a screenshot of the video.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Noun
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The Plague is exquisitely cast, from the Nickelodeon star smirk of ringleader Jake (Kayo Martin) to his cohen target Eli (Kenny Rasmussen), a genuine oddball.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
27 May 2025
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But watching a group of roughnecks on a rig in grubby overalls moving huge, long steel pipes, Dugan's smile begins to fade to a smirk.—
Kirk Siegler,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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