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

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

Definition of deadpan

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

Definition of bland

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

Definition of wooden

Adjective

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
The Northern Irish temperament is stoic to the point of obstinance.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026

Definition of stoic

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

How to Store Muffins and Quick Bread When storing yeast bread, the storage environment needs to be dry so the bread maintains the crusty exterior.

— Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
The shelves are stocked with crayons, markers, construction paper, notebooks, folders, binders, dry-erase markers and other classroom materials.

— Tori Mason, CBS News, 6 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