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

Even as Chisholm spent several minutes on the ground writhing in pain, a few of his teammates, including Judge, Grisham and Clarke Schmidt, couldn’t help but smirk at his misfortune. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026

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

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