1
as in to grin
to express an emotion (as amusement) by curving the lips upward
the soldier smiled in pleasure when he saw the giant sign welcoming him home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to laugh
to express scornful amusement by means of facial contortions
smiled at their ridiculous antics and walked away in disgust
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in grin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 smile
Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
The reverend smiles, proud of Littlejohn for keeping his cool.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025
Ben Church, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Asked if there was an increase in the usual amount of ticket requests for a Sweet 16 game against Arkansas, the Texas Tech wing answered affirmatively and with a smile.
—Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smile
Verb
Harvey tried to refrain from reacting, but couldn’t help but smile back.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
The reverend smiles, proud of Littlejohn for keeping his cool.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
Related article Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala stuns five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek to reach Miami Open semifinals
Despite losing, Eala wore a beaming smile on her face before walking off the court, with the crowd applauding her for a memorable run.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Asked if there was an increase in the usual amount of ticket requests for a Sweet 16 game against Arkansas, the Texas Tech wing answered affirmatively and with a smile.
—Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile
Verb
-
Part of the reason Democrats are grinning a bit is that Patronis's opponent, Gay Valimont, who was trounced by 32% last fall, has raised an impressive $6.4 million since January, accord to federal campaign finance records.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
-
As Frank, De Niro is all genial shrugs and winces, chattering in a recognizable lower register and grinning his classic jowly grin.—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The audience at the New York college laughed at the remark, which was said in the context of Obama writing his second presidential memoir.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Of course, this would mean that no white person uses the N word, tells or laughs at racist jokes, holds negative stereotypes of Blacks or discriminates against them.—
James Unnever and Wayne Genthner,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Here are six real books coming out this week, with dust jackets that reflect their real contents: mysteries and mishaps, often told with a sly smirk.—
Colin Dwyer,
NPR,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Hartford Courant Bueckers took and hit the 3-pointer with a shrug and a smirk.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share