1
as in grins
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 laughs
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 smiles
Guy Davies, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
Prue takes a bite, just smiles, and gives Tom a big thumbs-up.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
The 34-year-old Cary, North Carolina, native then smiles.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
Adeline just smiles and laughs a little.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
In it, a cartoon version of herself smiles and waves in front of her colorful shop along 39th.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
The goal is to look like you, only more harmonious—nose proportions aligned with chin, lips, and eyes; hairlines that suit age and face shape; smiles that complement skin tone and facial symmetry.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Lo sets the phone down and smiles just before the credits start to roll.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Maggie also smiles tolerantly when Hank keeps his hand on her knee for a few beats too many, or leans in close during chats.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
In one clip verified by ABC News, a man smiles at the camera, standing amid dozens of charred vehicles and lifeless bodies.
—Guy Davies, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
Prue takes a bite, just smiles, and gives Tom a big thumbs-up.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
The 34-year-old Cary, North Carolina, native then smiles.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
Adeline just smiles and laughs a little.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
In it, a cartoon version of herself smiles and waves in front of her colorful shop along 39th.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
The goal is to look like you, only more harmonious—nose proportions aligned with chin, lips, and eyes; hairlines that suit age and face shape; smiles that complement skin tone and facial symmetry.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Lo sets the phone down and smiles just before the credits start to roll.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Maggie also smiles tolerantly when Hank keeps his hand on her knee for a few beats too many, or leans in close during chats.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smiles
Verb
-
How to Make the Halloween Decor Goofy grins and exaggerated eyes add childlike wonder to your Halloween decorating.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Panahi grins when moments of physical comedy land.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Our group laughs at your group.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Affleck laughs and waits a beat.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Those surrounding the bride stood up and began clapping, their frowns shifting to wide smiles.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
-
If only humans kept their expressions to cartoonishly clear frowns and smiles.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smiles. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
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