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

One couple's big day at Fortitude Farm in Milton had guests cheering, plenty of reasons to smile, and a bride and groom who were a little distracted. — Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 On Wednesday, Brand was photographed arriving at the court with his wife, Laura, who was reported to have warmly smiled at him throughout the proceedings in court. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Noun

Mollica tells Variety with an excited smile from the plush downstairs Drawing Room of London’s Raffles Hotel. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Zaïd cracks a wide smile exposing the gap left by four missing front teeth. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile

Verb

Riley grinned with his team protecting an eight-point lead in front of a rowdy, record crowd of 114,419 decked in all white at Beaver Stadium on Saturday night.

— Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Both Ruto, behind the wheel, and Chivayo are seen laughing, with Chivayo's wife grinning from the back seat.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of grin

Verb

Less than half a mile away, business owner Sierra Jordan told CNN the familiar sound of children laughing and playing outside at recess gave way to the frantic arrival of ambulances.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
At-large Councilwoman Victoria Watlington posted an Instagram video of herself laughing about the situation the morning after the meeting.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of laugh

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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of smile

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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