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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In a solemn message, Dominican President Luis Abinader addressed the nation’s grief.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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In Ireland, however, St. Patrick’s Day remained a solemn day of observance with little revelry.—
Bryan McGovern,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Raid 2, for instance, a two and a half hour crime and punishment epic, boils down to one man’s struggle to win the approval of his stern father; whether this is significant to Evans’ life or not, the motif nonetheless transitions cleanly into Havoc.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
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The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a stern warning about a predatory fish that can grow up to 3 feet long, slither across land and breathe air.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Josh Simmons is one of the most talented tackles in this class, but the lineman is coming off a serious injury in 2024 and may not be ready to start immediately.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
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The Mets’ prospects with experience in center field need more time in the minors before they can be considered serious options.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unsmiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsmiling. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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