STRAIGHT-FACED Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

straight-faced

adjective

as in deadpan

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of straight-faced Mamdani emerged from this shroud of mystery triumphant, posting a photograph on X of himself, firmly straight-faced, standing alongside the grinning President. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straight-faced

Adjective

His reclusive nature is matched by an almost permanently deadpan expression.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026
In a special Open Thoughts podcast held in Korea, where YoungBoy now lives, host Funny Marco (known for his deadpan approach) asked if there was ever a time during his early performances that the artist felt like pulling back.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of deadpan

Adjective

Despite his top billing and his undeniable curmudgeon charisma, even Dern ends up underserved by a role that is eventually reduced to so much benign backdrop for a much blander hero’s journey.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
In terms of texture and flavor, these bite-size pancakes range from fluffy to pasty, sweet to bland, terrific to just barely edible.

— Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of bland

Adjective

Seal reveals only the slightest of obliques, while the wooden Turtle (1940)—like The Cock (1924), Maiastra (1910), and other creatures—retain a hieraticism just shy of symmetry.

— Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Douglas Degges created art out of chewed dog toys, and Lesley Finn mounted a collage of archival papers on a wooden board.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of wooden

Adjective

That virtue is undermined here by leads with minimal chemistry, one of them inexpressive and the other archly theatrical, by design if not to rewarding effect.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2026
Moments of physical intimacy between his protagonists are often relayed in rigid and frustratingly inexpressive language, which occasionally veers into the tiringly smutty.

— Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026

Definition of inexpressive

Adjective

Friday will be dry and comfortable in the Twin Cities, and a beautiful weekend is ahead.

— Joseph Dames, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
If your hair is feeling dry, hairstylist Kee Taylor recommends smoothing a lightweight oil through the midlengths and ends to improve manageability and shine.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of dry

Adjective

Many Labour members hope Burnham’s people skills and charisma can connect with the public more than the stolid, managerial Starmer could ever do.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 June 2026
Many Labor members hope Burnham’s people skills and charisma can connect with the public more than the stolid, managerial Starmer could ever do.

— Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026