straight-faced

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 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 novel is in many ways a string of dazzlingly deadpan and sharp observations about navigating the strange world of now, from predictive advertising to sugar babying to dead college friends.
    Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) Fans of Yorgos Lanthimos' work (Poor Things, Dogtooth) admire his signature icy, deadpan style.
    Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The company poured $10 billion into its Reality Labs division last year, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg was criticized last week after posting a selfie that showed an expressionless version of his avatar in front of the Eiffel Tower.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2022
Adjective
  • This sketch essentially spoofs his brand partnerships and bland style.
    Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The surroundings were bland, but the conversation with Cheney was spellbinding.
    Nina Khrushcheva, Time, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • At the center lies a cozy living room with black hide Pierre Jeannerett armchairs, brown leather pillows, and a wooden bookshelf.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025
  • While visiting Santa's Village, guests are also invited to take flight in The Elf Flyer, a whimsical flying wooden shoe ride and take photos at three unique photo opportunities including the Countdown to Christmas Clock, in front of oversized holiday decor and Santa's Sleigh.
    Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Hard not to call to mind the heavily creased face of a Native American man (who turned out to be Italian) in that public service ad against littering—hair in braids, a tear running down his stoic cheek.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The shades, stoic facial expressions and ensembles?
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
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
  • Order the deluxe martini with gin or vodka, extra-dry vermouth, and olives or a twist; pair with truffle fries and the hearts of romaine Caesar, available on special request from the restaurant, all as classic as the setting itself.
    Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Up to 16 inches of rainfall drenched the Hill Country area from July 3 to July 5, a landscape known for rapid, raging flooding in extreme rain boosted by moist gulf air moving over the dry, dusty hills.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Though deBessonet’s production strips away a lot of the bunting, Ragtime has a stolid and demonstrative core and an educational tone worthy of EPCOT.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
  • But the drama can be very stolid, borderline dull at times.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straight-faced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straight-faced. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!