as in deadpan
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 straight-faced
The bill is presented, straight-faced, as securing election integrity.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
To which Liu responded, straight-faced and finally dead serious.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
But the rest of the movie is straight-faced, as though its story of two reckless sociopaths vying to destroy the world in their respective modes weren’t appallingly depressing.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2025
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
To which Liu responded, straight-faced and finally dead serious.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
But the rest of the movie is straight-faced, as though its story of two reckless sociopaths vying to destroy the world in their respective modes weren’t appallingly depressing.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straight-faced
Adjective
-
The film’s wry brand of sadness at times recalls the work of Aki Kaurismäki, although Covi and Frimmel rarely mimic the Finnish auteur’s deadpan style of humor.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Chase sequences through streets and down staircases are more thuddingly deadpan than raucously camp.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The routine calls for this chic, almost expressionless vibe — very different from a typical K-pop performance.—
Billboard Korea,
Billboard,
26 Nov. 2025
-
Bale ran to the corner of the pitch, and, having been an expressionless bystander for much of the evening, shouted in ecstasy.—
Hua Hsu,
The New Yorker,
21 Nov. 2022
Adjective
-
Italian seasoning, Gruyère cheese, and roasted red peppers make this chicken anything but bland.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Nutritionists no longer recommend giving kids bland food, but the idea that children should eat different foods than adults nevertheless stuck.—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The small wooden shelf has just enough room for a cocktail and your remote or a book.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Jamie Hewlett sits at a wooden table stirring a cappucino with a black straw.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
However, like many of the exporters in the region who are expressing fears that this may well be a business disruptor for the entire region, the worry about further volatility is being taken with the stoic measures of the post-Covid era.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Back at home Sunday, he was asked about the display of fiery intensity from Jokic, whose demeanor is usually more stoic.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Curiously, given that Casey began as a choreographer, the lackluster dance is energetic but inexpressive.—
David Benedict,
Variety,
24 June 2025
-
Here again is that inexpressive mode that Enelow identified in film performance, hiding a dark pool beneath; what can’t be acknowledged isn’t just an individual’s pain but the larger suffering that undergirds it.—
Lidija Haas,
Harper's Magazine,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Wildfires are common during the dry winter season.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The dry down is even better than the initial spritz, turning into a warm, sensual, floral bouquet sitting next to a bowl of fresh cut strawberries.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Roosevelt, a stolid 19 masonry floors, can’t compete in this new game.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Even Universal’s stolid Lew Wasserman was suddenly looking for buyers and firing existing staff.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
18 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straight-faced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straight-faced. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
