smirk 1 of 2

verb

Definition of smirknext
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.

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smirk

2 of 2

noun

as in sneer

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of smirk
Verb
On our recent trip to Arizona, my 12-year-old son lingered in the Grand Canyon gift shop near the stickers, smirked at me, and picked out two of his favorites. — Jaclyn Greenberg, Parents, 18 June 2026 Head coach Todd Bowles could only smirk. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Noun
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 Michelle replied with a smirk and a nudge. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for smirk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smirk
  1. grimace
  2. sneer
  3. stare
  4. snicker
  5. scowl
  6. snigger
  7. frown
Verb
  • On Monday’s episode of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, a grimacing Stewart was flabbergasted at why, exactly, the president elbowed his way into a spotlight clearly not intended for him.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 July 2026
  • Seigler remained down for several minutes, bleeding from one arm and grimacing in pain as interim manager Chad Tracy and trainers rushed out to check him for a head injury.
    — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026
Definition of grimace
Noun
  • The film’s sincerity — the quality critics praised most — was met with a sneer rather than a response.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • With his rakish sneer and ruthlessly tight jodhpurs, Rupert has been thoroughly neutered with irony, transformed into an object for women to pick at.
    — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Definition of sneer
Verb
  • Inside the latest post-loss clubhouse, multiple players sat at their lockers in silence, staring at their phones or blankly ahead.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • This paragon of patience is staring at an uncertain future and wearing thin.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 21 July 2026
Definition of stare
Noun
  • As is, this is a foolish thriller that prompts the occasional snicker but not much more.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • The grown-ups in the audience snicker.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Definition of snicker
Verb
  • As a 7-year-old, I’d entertain my father’s friends, at their weekly pickup game at a Bronx barn-house gymnasium, by imitating his game face—bottom lip jutting, eyes scowling.
    — Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026
  • Modern tiki tends to take a lighter touch, using more abstract graphics, less imagery of women and scowling gods.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Definition of scowl
Noun
  • Each time an audience member so much as sniggers or sneezes, money is docked from a prize pot of £250,000 ($330,000), the slightest noise costing them up to £10,000 ($13,000) each time.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 May 2025
  • The tribal leader sniggers; a trade with foreign infidels is inconceivable.
    — Bing West, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2011
Definition of snigger
Verb
  • In the end, pushing extremes is favorable, and seeking consensus is frowned upon.
    — J.C. Polanco, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
  • Spending so much time with Raskova’s frown was a miscalculation, when Sasha and Anastasia falling for each other, and Valya worrying about how Tanya’s past would haunt them forever, were so much more compelling.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of frown

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smirching
smirk
smirked
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Cite this Entry

“Smirk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smirk. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of smirk for Spanish Speakers

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