smirks 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of smirk
as in grimaces
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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smirks

2 of 2

noun

plural of smirk

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 smirks
Noun
Whereas most guests on With Love, Meghan would respond to a prompt like this with doe-eyed enthusiasm, Daniel simply smirks and shakes his head. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smirks
Verb
  • Thus, Botticelli’s Jesus, who stares at the fruit in deep thought, perhaps prophesies his own death and return, as opposed to the child in the Dreyfus Madonna, who proudly shows the unity of his church to his mother.
    Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
  • What could have been a really terrifying and unsettling scene, especially as the dead-eyed sheep stares ominously back at them, becomes just another goofy moment.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Byrne has never been better, sharper, or more intimidating as a screen presence, carrying the movie with squints and frowns.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smirks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smirks. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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