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Definitions

smirk

[smurk] / smɜrk /
NOUN
sly smile
Synonyms


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.

See Examples For:

But after an hour-long delay to proceedings earlier, Day returned to the dock and appeared to smirk as he entered a guilty plea.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

And the only trophy we have ever won in fútbol,” Luna adds with a smirk.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026

On Chinese social media, pictures show some users sticking couplets or upside down pictures of Malfoy's signature smirk.

From BBC ● Feb. 4, 2026

More than one friend, he said with a smirk, had asked him how to do so: They “say, ‘Roger, I need your help.

From Salon ● Jan. 23, 2026

A slick smirk crept onto Mr. Munch's face.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

But it was also a target that raised eyebrows and smirks, and perhaps with four years to go, may still be a touch too ambitious - but the trajectory of progression is undeniable.

From BBC ● Feb. 15, 2026

The leader of the separatist Bloc Quebecois, Yves‑Francois Blanchet, drew smirks with his May critique of Alberta's prospective independence.

From Barron's ● Jan. 29, 2026

Her expressive smirks and body language alone communicates so much of Venetia’s sense of arrogance, boredom and entitlement.

From Salon ● Dec. 31, 2023

Some have offered large smiles — or at least defiant smirks.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 31, 2023

“My bad,” Milez says into the mic, but he smirks.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas

While the president has said he won’t make the official announcement until early next year, Trump smirked when reporters asked if it would be Hassett, which many have taken as a positive signal.

From Barron's ● Dec. 3, 2025

Some have smirked that the East Wing doesn’t matter much because it is primarily the province of first ladies, but that is a bizarre argument for its destruction.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2025

According to Marcotte, Sung smirked and said she hasn’t done her research on the restaurant.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2025

Toledo has denied the allegations against him and on Monday frequently smirked and at times laughed, especially when the judge was speaking on Monday, the news agency notes.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2024

She’d smirked at that the first time she’d passed, gazing down at the tanks and weapons, one eye on Kaz and the others on the opposite walkway.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Now that I have done so, I picture Harper smirking at me, suddenly bored by how easy adults are to manipulate and already thinking of some new mischief to get up to.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 7, 2026

Members of Gen Alpha, it added, might be "smirking at the thought of adults once again struggling to make sense of your notoriously slippery slang."

From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2025

During this whole interaction, Nate is just smirking and laughing along cause yeah, at this point Andy thinks it’s pretty silly too.

From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2025

A furious 1987 Donald Moffett poster, dedicated to Gay Men’s Health Crisis Director Diego Lopez, juxtaposes the AIDS-indifferent Hollywood president, smirking vapidly above the phrase, “He kills me,” next to a screaming orange bull’s-eye.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2025

“You wouldn’t go for some dude like Ainsley. Those bougie dudes who think they’re better than everybody. Especially Darius,” he says, smirking.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi


Vocabulary lists containing smirk

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