SMILE Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

smile 1 of 2

verb

ˈsmī(-ə)l

Definition of smile

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

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

smile

2 of 2

noun

as in grin

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

Verb

So pretending imbalance isn't happening — like when one partner is regularly absorbing all the work and smiling through it — just delays the same resentment that often festers in exchange relationships. — Mark Travers, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 In September, the parliamentary speaker pledged to pay the bride price whenever Oyo determined to get married, to which the king in his throne smiled. — Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Noun

And despite her background, the Norwegian people found much to like about this statuesque blond woman with striking eyes and a ready smile, a down-to-earth manner and an undisguised love for Haakon. — Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 From the training field to the interview room at Sporting Kansas City’s Compass Minerals National Performance Center, the wide smile was nearly impossible to miss. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile

Verb

Latino artists, activists and musicians, suspended mid-motion, grin down at passersby.

— Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Framed photos of the late NHL star, grinning alongside their now-3-year-old daughter, Noa, and son Johnny, 2, circle their living room couch and sit on their kitchen island.

— Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of grin

Verb

The two ended up walking away laughing, and Luiz’s grin rode right into the next conversation, drill or interaction with anyone on the field.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
As Buddy Crane, a buffoonish, overconfident opposing counsel who works in house for Acme, John Cena relishes his role just as much as Buddy relishes laughing at Kevin.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of laugh

Noun

Orion gave a smirk and thumbs up to the camera while Keats made a funny face and stuck his tongue out.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of smirk

Browse Nearby Words

smidgens

smile

smiled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smile. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of smile

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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