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
Bill Barrow, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
At the 60-second mark is a quick scene of two jungle primates, with the Obamas’ smiling faces imposed on them.
—Bill Barrow, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
Jessica Riley, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
The 17-year-old Buzbee, a student at Hamilton Southeastern High School, was known for her big smile, generosity, ease with people and passion for journalism.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smile
Verb
At the 60-second mark is a quick scene of two primates with the Obamas' smiling faces imposed on them.
—Bill Barrow, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
At the 60-second mark is a quick scene of two jungle primates, with the Obamas’ smiling faces imposed on them.
—Bill Barrow, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
The loss was felt far and wide as the person everyone turned to for a smile is now gone.
—Jessica Riley, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
The 17-year-old Buzbee, a student at Hamilton Southeastern High School, was known for her big smile, generosity, ease with people and passion for journalism.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile
Verb
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Processions of awestruck people from all over the world—selfie-taking women in saris, chatty Mexican children, grinning Hare Krishna—marched along a paved path, heads craned upward toward the water.—
Alice Gregory,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
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Mamdani grinned puckishly recalling his mother’s interest in academic achievement.—
Rebecca Traister,
Vulture,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Dylan stuck out his tongue in gleeful celebration of only his second basket in the semifinal, and their famous father laughed heartily at courtside.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
James shook his head and laughed recalling those moments.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And Nix, often with a smirk, will return the volley.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The bus drivers do nothing to enforce the rules, and we seniors are left trudging down the bus aisle while the people in the seats smirk, look at their phones and talk to each other.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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