Definitions

grimacing

[grim-uhs-ing, gri-mey-sing] / ˈgrɪm əs ɪŋ, grɪˈmeɪ sɪŋ /

VERB

make a pained expression

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contort frown scowl smirk sneer

STRONG

deform distort mouth mug

WEAK

make a face make a wry face misshape screw up one's face

Antonyms

STRONGEST

grin smile

STRONG

beautify

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Grimacing, he plowed ahead, driven by the pain.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

Grimacing at times through the pain, Woods made a 12-foot birdie putt on the last hole to force a playoff.

From Washington Times • Jun. 10, 2023

Grimacing in pain from his bruised cheekbone, Cristiano Ronaldo steadied himself before scoring from the penalty spot for his first goal in Saudi Arabia against a Paris Saint-Germain team featuring old foe Lionel Messi.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2023

Grimacing, he shut his eyes again and grunted: “I understand better than you think.”

From Slate • Dec. 24, 2022

Grimacing, I lean the pool cue against the wall, and bolt for the stairwell as Will books it in the opposite direction, back to our floor.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott