UNSMILING Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

unsmiling

adjective

ˌən-ˈsmī-liŋ

Definition of unsmiling

as in solemn

not joking or playful in mood or manner delivered the reprimand with a harsh and unsmiling face

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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 unsmiling After school one day, an unsmiling official from a mysterious worldwide organization, Eva Stratt (played by German actress Sandra Hüller, of Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest), accosts him and humorlessly recruits him for a special project. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 20 Mar. 2026 So much for my unsmiling open mouth in my 2026 passport photo. — Paul Keane, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026 In one, a worker bee barks like a Georgia bulldog at his unsmiling boss. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 2 Feb. 2026 Often taunted by tabloids for her unsmiling demeanor, Victoria shows off her sense of humor and gets real about some of the most difficult parts of her past, including her struggles with an eating disorder and almost losing her fashion business entirely. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsmiling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsmiling

Adjective

The slow chimes of Big Ben sounded, and then the newsreader’s solemn voice with the headlines.

— Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
In addition, the new king will receive a solemn ecclesiastical blessing in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of solemn

Adjective

Irving was born in New York City on April 3, 1783, the son of a stern Scottish immigrant who ran a tidy import business selling wine, sugar, and hardware.

— Eric Lach, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Former President Joe Biden turned to then-CIA Director William Burns to relay stern warnings to Russia before and after President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

— Matthew Mulligan, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of stern

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unsmart

unsmiling

unsmoothed

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“Unsmiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsmiling. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsmiling

adjective

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