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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smile
Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Today, however, these folks seem to be incapable of smiling while carrying out their governmental duties or speaking to the press or to Congress.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Take Kate, whose every evocative smile is expressed by the luminous Leslie Bibb.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smile
Verb
Earlier this season, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson smiled when asked why players had become so enthused with Johnson.
—Noun
It may be masked by his refinement, hidden behind his boyish Christmas-morning smile.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile
Verb
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The pilot, Jonathon Rae, a young Aussie with a dashing mustache, looked down and grinned.—
-
Mann’s hilarious Brad says to Ben, grinning nervously and clapping his hands in an attempt to make friends.—
Verb
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Honestly, my only regret is this thing in the eye [laughs].—
-
The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate achievements that make people laugh, then think.—
Noun
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In the video, Castela sings these words with a knowing smirk.—
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Cohen, meanwhile, couldn’t remove a satisfied smirk from his face.—
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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