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
  • Young Carlisle’s deadpan delivery really makes moments like this sing.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
  • Socially awkward characters offer an opportunity for dry humor and deadpan prose.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 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
  • This current trend is a direct result of the design industry’s desire to banish the bland, boring, and non-committal interior trends of yesteryear in favor of mosaics that feel anything but.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2026
  • Meanwhile taco seasoning, the aforementioned green chiles, and pimientos protect against the dish being bland.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Bake in preheated oven until edges are set and golden, center looks matte, and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 25 to 28 minutes.
    Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 26 July 2026
  • Martinez recommends resealing your wooden fence every two to three years and checking it annually with the water bead test.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Album Artwork On Arirang‘s album artwork, the members stand with stoic expressions and dapper suits.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 29 July 2026
  • Murray, a stoic veteran, wasn’t sure what to make of Kent, who played with a cocky edge.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 26 July 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
  • Providing supplemental irrigation during dry periods to reduce drought stress.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • In just a few weeks, guests at this West 39th Street sandwich shop and wine bar can transport themselves to a Tuscan restaurant with homemade schiacciata bread, Italian meats and cheeses, and a dry white.
    Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 30 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straight-faced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straight-faced. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster