1 unsmiling | Definition of unsmiling

unsmiling

adjective
un·​smil·​ing | \ ˌən-ˈsmÄ«-liƋ How to pronounce unsmiling (audio) \

Definition of unsmiling

: not smiling or tending to smile : marked by a somber or serious expression or attitude a stern, unsmiling teacher

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Other Words from unsmiling

unsmilingly adverb
His views were unsmilingly stated, implacably held, and amenable to no reasonable argument. — Simon Winchester

Examples of unsmiling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The visual design of the show is exceptional, from AndrĂ©s’s cerulean hair and asymmetrical ruffled blouses to the creepily pastel dental office where the unsmiling Úrsula works. Emily Nussbaum, The New Yorker, "Off-Kilter Humor on “Los Espookys” and “Alternatino”," 1 July 2019 So how did fashion’s favorite unsmiling doyenne end up dabbling in the fine arts? Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Is Victoria Beckham the Most Fashionable Patron of the Arts?," 25 Jan. 2019 The tough criticism, made to an audience of the world’s security elite, including an unsmiling Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, was a European riposte to Trump’s ongoing push for Europe to spend more on defense. Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, "German defense minister slams Trump’s military-heavy approach to security," 16 Feb. 2018 Even typically unsmiling army and security personnel enjoyed the moment, laughing and high-fiving along with the throng. Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "Whatever happens, Vladimir Putin is winning the World Cup," 1 July 2018 Fetine looks into the camera, unsmiling, with a gaze betraying some resentment about the choice made for her. Washington Post, "Search for ‘lost brides’ of Cyprus stirs painful past," 25 May 2018 That would be Boris Volkov, one of those ruthless Russian gangsters with unsmiling bodyguards that are all but omnipresent in films these days. Kenneth Turan, latimes.com, "Review: Keanu Reeves is stranded in the low-energy romantic thrills of 'Siberia'," 10 July 2018 Some unsmiling young Negroes monotonously beat out African rhythms on drums all during his brief visit. Johnny Miller, San Francisco Chronicle, "RFK speaks at Hunters Point," 23 May 2018 Billboards rise high above the streets, advertising haute couture or exclusive real estate, or bearing the unsmiling likeness of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. SI.com, "Exiled by the Cubs, Sammy Sosa Is Enjoying the Life He Wants You to See," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unsmiling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of unsmiling

1826, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for unsmiling

unsmiling

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of unsmiling

somewhat formal : not smiling : serious and unfriendly

More from Merriam-Webster on unsmiling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unsmiling

Spanish Central: Translation of unsmiling