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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smile
Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
That opportunity alone is enough to widen Stevenson’s smile.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025
Affleck was photographed with his arm around Lopez's waist, and the two can be seen smiling at each other.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smile
Verb
But our partner’s longed for smile was unseen behind the marble chill of death.
—Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
That opportunity alone is enough to widen Stevenson’s smile.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
Wearing multiple layers — including a chunky beanie and hoodie — a smiling, unshaven Bieber sings in between sips.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025
Affleck was photographed with his arm around Lopez's waist, and the two can be seen smiling at each other.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile
Verb
-
Swift clearly doesn’t want to play the ever-grinning showgirl anymore.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
3 Oct. 2025
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When asked how to manage a defense with two rookie starters, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio held up crossed fingers with both hands and grinned.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Those who pointed and laughed at Stevenson’s lowest football moment last year likely never realized the difficulty of his trek.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Trailer footage reveals tension that seriously ramp-up between Grace and Jackson in their rural home, including shots of Lawrence’s character wondering through an open field with a shotgun, laughing maniacally.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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LaRoche, watching from the sixth row, shot a smirk right back to her.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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John Lunn’s soaring score makes shots of Highclere Castle, which stands in for Downton Abbey, particularly magical; Anna Robbins’s luxurious costumes, all satin, lace, and brocade, are once again gorgeous; Nivola’s smirk is a welcome bit of Yankee attitude.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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