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

But Thomas and Erika are no fools, coolly telling off smiling Hitler sympathizers during a tony reception. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 The two smiled for the camera while holding drinks at an outdoor reception decorated with elaborate white floral arrangements. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Noun

To that, Gordon flashed his patented big smile and let out a little chuckle. — Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 In the arena, that means throwing lobs that bring a smile to everyone’s face. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smile

Verb

And why is Owen Wilson grinning like an awkward schoolboy at Zeus’s naked daughters?

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026
Holmes is one of those smile-talkers—people who grin as words pour out of their mouths.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of grin

Verb

Zion, 11, is smart and creative and enjoys having fun and making others laugh.

— The Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Foreman can often be seen making audiences laugh at Comedy In Harlem, which held a comedy show for Breast Cancer Awareness in October where 10% of the proceeds go toward breast cancer research and awareness.

— Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of laugh

Noun

The pair barely crack more than a perfunctory smirk, in stark contrast to the uproarious laughter emanating from Fielder’s laptop screen.

— Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
My mom’s siblings usually arrived in a sour mood without greeting anyone at the table, my aunt’s brow furrowed and my uncle wearing a sneaky smirk.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of smile

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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