Synonyms of smirk

smirk 1 of 2

verb

as in to simper

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

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

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

And indeed Verity — directed with straightforward competence and a faint wry smirk by Michael Showalter and adapted by screenwriter Nick Antosca (Apple TV’s Cape Fear series) — is a mild lark for its first hour. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Orion gave a smirk and thumbs up to the camera while Keats made a funny face and stuck his tongue out. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026