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
After two years of being locked up and systematically abused by Arkham’s squad of guards led by Jackie Sullivan (Brendan Gleeson), Arthur has become an unsmiling, even more gaunt shell of his former self.
—
Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 4 Oct. 2024
Earlier, an unsmiling Timberlake arrived at the courthouse on the Eastern end of Long Island near The Hamptons this morning to a crowd of reporters, fans and reportedly at least one protester holding a large photograph of a boy who apparently had been killed by a drunk driver.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2024
During the interview, an unsmiling, downcast Affleck gave rambling answers and repeatedly looked off camera, as a clip of the interview shows.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2024
To emphasize Hezbollah’s resolve, hundreds of soldiers marched in precise formation, unsmiling and staring straight ahead, with their rifles across their chests, their fatigues pressed, and their boots gleaming.
—Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for unsmiling
Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 4 Oct. 2024
Earlier, an unsmiling Timberlake arrived at the courthouse on the Eastern end of Long Island near The Hamptons this morning to a crowd of reporters, fans and reportedly at least one protester holding a large photograph of a boy who apparently had been killed by a drunk driver.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2024
During the interview, an unsmiling, downcast Affleck gave rambling answers and repeatedly looked off camera, as a clip of the interview shows.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2024
To emphasize Hezbollah’s resolve, hundreds of soldiers marched in precise formation, unsmiling and staring straight ahead, with their rifles across their chests, their fatigues pressed, and their boots gleaming.
—Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for unsmiling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsmiling
Adjective
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From its origins as a solemn feast day to its transformation into a global celebration of Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day is a meaningful occasion for many.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
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Earlier this month, Francis participated virtually in the Vatican’s weeklong spiritual retreat, an annual gathering that kicks off the Catholic Church’s solemn Lenten season leading to Easter.—
Angela Yang,
NBC News,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Fast forward five years and Faris is still trying to find a balance between being a fun, yet stern, mom.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
20 Mar. 2025
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In Volusia County, where Daytona Beach has long had a reputation for being a spring break party destination, Sheriff Mike Chitwood issued a stern warning.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA TODAY,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Progress against the disease rebounded quickly after the disruptions caused by COVID-19, but recent reductions in development assistance for health pose a serious threat to sustaining this momentum.—
Peter Sands,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Kurt's key takeaways Online abuse is a serious issue that disproportionately affects young women.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unsmiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsmiling. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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