Synonyms of smirk

smirk 1 of 2

verb

as in to grimace

to smile in an unpleasant way because you are pleased with yourself, glad about someone else's trouble, etc.

She tried not to smirk when they announced the winner.

Related Words

• grimace
• stare
• scowl
• frown
• mouth
• pout
• simper
• glare
• sneer
• gaze
• snarl
• mug
• glower
• contort
• deform
• gloom
• gape
• warp
• ogle
• twist
• growl
• lower

smirk

2 of 2

noun

as in sneer

Related Words

• sneer
• snicker
• snigger
• snort
• jeer
• hiss
• boo
• raspberry
• taunt
• razz
• bird
• Bronx cheer
• gibe
• catcall
• hoot
• whistle
• put-down

Dissimilar Words

• cheer
• applause
• clapping

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of smirk

Verb

La Nueva Violencia is a smirking, libidinous play for the dance floor, picking up where the distorted guitars of the last record left off and channeling each new riff into sleazy post-punk and electroclash that stick to the body like sweaty velvet. — Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

In memes, Dafoe's smirking declaration has been used to represent overconfidence and pseudointellectualism. — Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Noun

At 23, Miller became Dunn’s apprentice at Texas Traditions, in Austin, weathering his mentor’s hot temper (he got fired every so often for a smirk, a glance, a daydream) while absorbing his technique. — Jeanne Malle, Air Mail, 4 July 2026

There was a point in Patrick Paul’s ascension last season where his smirk, his hearty chuckles irritated, if not frustrated his opponents to the point of anger. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026