unsmiling

adjective

un·​smil·​ing ˌən-ˈsmī-liŋ How to pronounce unsmiling (audio)
Synonyms of unsmilingnext
: not smiling or tending to smile : marked by a somber or serious expression or attitude
a stern, unsmiling teacher
unsmilingly adverb
His views were unsmilingly stated, implacably held, and amenable to no reasonable argument. —Simon Winchester

Synonyms of unsmiling

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Examples of unsmiling in a Sentence

delivered the reprimand with a harsh and unsmiling face
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In one, a worker bee barks like a Georgia bulldog at his unsmiling boss. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 2 Feb. 2026 So much for my unsmiling open mouth in my 2026 passport photo. — Paul Keane, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026 In the clip, Josie has a serious, unsmiling expression, which created a humorous contrast with the celebratory scene around her. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 Real, unsmiling, circa-1400 Vikings like Eric the Red and Hagar the Horrible. — Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsmiling

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsmiling was in 1826

Rhymes for unsmiling

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Browse Nearby Words

unsmeared
unsmiling
unsmirched
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsmiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsmiling. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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