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 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
  • And there’s also a lovely, unexpected romance in there waiting to tentatively reveal itself … As for Reacher himself, his deadpan humor remains impeccable.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The whole supporting cast is great, but look out for Saskia Chana as Leila’s best friend Deniz, a fount of withering lines delivered with deadpan panache.
    Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The 47-year-old, wearing a blue suit and blue tie, was expressionless as the charges against him were described.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
  • The routine calls for this chic, almost expressionless vibe — very different from a typical K-pop performance.
    Billboard Korea, Billboard, 26 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Whereas Marvel Tokon looks unforgettable, Wolverine's bland stab at realism looks like little more than another boring bootleg movie.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Matching Pillows to Couch Fabric Matching your throw pillows to your sofa upholstery fabric can result in a bland and boring look.
    Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Original decorative glass panels still line the perimeter of the atrium’s upper floors beneath polished wooden railings.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The area is charming, with the houses themselves a mishmash of shapes of colors—miniature, red roof dwellings decorated with wooden panels are piled next to slim, towering town houses embellished with sweeping bay windows.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Iriarte-Valdez appeared stoic during the hearing as his attorney entered the plea on his behalf.
    Maddie White, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Even more shocking is Annie’s encounter with Ramona(Amélie Hoeferle), the stoic and standoffish redhead who looks exactly like Annie’s dead mom and who insists Gordon was also her grandfather.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Another round of showers is possible Saturday evening, but there will be plenty of dry time in between.
    Adam Del Rosso, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • With France experiencing its driest year ever, a new fire raced through woodlands overnight in the Landes region on the southwest coast.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Straight-faced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straight-faced. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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