as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
delivered the reprimand with a harsh and unsmiling face
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Recent Examples of unsmiling
Prima felt that there was something humiliating in Ruth’s loyalty to Thalia, and in her unsmiling scrutiny of Heiss.
—
Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
Soon after the baby is declared dead, Nina is blamed by the woman’s husband and Nina’s unsmiling supervisor (Merab Ninidze) launches an investigation into what went wrong.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
On his first trip to the Holy See, Francis’ unsmiling welcome was seen as frigid and unfriendly; both encounters were markedly brief.
—Federico Perelmuter, The Dial, 13 Mar. 2025
But at that moment, looking up from the examination table at Tina, her dark hair framing her unsmiling face, Lilian neither hesitated nor flinched.
—Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsmiling
Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
Soon after the baby is declared dead, Nina is blamed by the woman’s husband and Nina’s unsmiling supervisor (Merab Ninidze) launches an investigation into what went wrong.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
On his first trip to the Holy See, Francis’ unsmiling welcome was seen as frigid and unfriendly; both encounters were markedly brief.
—Federico Perelmuter, The Dial, 13 Mar. 2025
But at that moment, looking up from the examination table at Tina, her dark hair framing her unsmiling face, Lilian neither hesitated nor flinched.
—Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsmiling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsmiling
Adjective
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Its fun-first identity is part of the draw in a market flooded with solemn storytelling and dusty barrels.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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Moderator Whoopi Goldberg opened the show with a solemn acknowledgment of the disaster, urging viewers in affected areas to stay safe and tune in for information on how to help.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
However, the slow collision of Ray’s two worlds unfolds with the stern casualness of two business acquaintances meeting for dinner.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
18 July 2025
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Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.—
Jim Zumbo,
Outdoor Life,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
Over time, those sketches became more serious, taking the form of tattoo designs.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
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The restaurant was temporarily closed by the city for multiple serious health violations, including a malfunctioning refrigerator and freezer, mold growth and food buildup on kitchen equipment.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unsmiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsmiling. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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