smileless

smileless

The child had a smileless expression during the solemn ceremony.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Without a smile: "smileless" describes a person's expression or face that is devoid of a smile; serious, unsmiling, or stern in appearance.
Usage Examples
  • (Her expression lacked any sign of a smile, causing uncertainty.)
  • (The teacher did not smile at all, creating a serious mood.)
  • (He nodded without any smile, indicating a formal or cold farewell.)
Advanced Usage

  • "a smileless countenance": a formal or literary way to describe a face that shows no smile.

    • The judge's smileless countenance intimidated the witnesses. (The judge's serious, unsmiling face made witnesses feel nervous.)

  • "smileless eyes": eyes that lack warmth or joy, often indicating sadness or sternness.

    • Her smileless eyes betrayed her inner sorrow. (Her eyes showed no happiness, revealing her sadness.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Smile (n/v): an expression of happiness or amusement; to produce such an expression.

    • She gave a warm smile. (A friendly expression.)

  • Smiling (adj): having or showing a smile.

    • The smiling child waved at us. (The child was happy and showing it with a smile.)

  • Smilelessly (adv): in a manner without smiling.

    • He stared at the painting smilelessly. (He looked at the painting without any smile.)
Synonyms

  • Unsmiling: not smiling; serious.

    • Her unsmiling expression made the joke fall flat. (Her lack of a smile killed the humour.)

  • Stern: serious and strict; lacking warmth.

    • The stern teacher rarely smiled in class. (The teacher was serious and rarely showed amusement.)

  • Grim: forbidding or unyielding in appearance; without cheerfulness.

    • His grim look told us the news was bad. (His serious, unsmiling face indicated negative information.)
Antonyms
  • Smiling: having a smile.
  • Cheerful: noticeably happy and smiling.
  • Beaming: smiling broadly and brightly.
Related Idioms

  • "Keep a straight face": to refrain from smiling or laughing, often to maintain seriousness.

    • He tried to keep a straight face during the comedy show. (He attempted to remain smileless despite the humour.)

  • "Stone-faced": having a completely expressionless, unsmiling face.

    • The guard was stone-faced, showing no emotion. (The guard was completely smileless and serious.)