toothy
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Definition
Adjective: 1. Having or showing prominent teeth: Describes a person, animal, or expression (like a smile or grin) that conspicuously displays a lot of teeth.
Usage
The adjective "toothy" is used to describe a smile, grin, or similar facial expression where the teeth are very noticeable. It often carries a neutral or descriptive connotation but can sometimes imply a broad, eager, or slightly aggressive appearance depending on context. It typically modifies nouns like "smile," "grin," or "jaw."
Examples
- She greeted us with a wide, toothy grin.
- The cartoon shark was drawn with a fearsome, toothy mouth.
- His toothy smile was both friendly and a little goofy.
Advanced Usage
- Descriptive of Non-Human Things: Can be used metaphorically to describe objects that have tooth-like projections.
- The saw had a toothy blade that looked dangerous.
- In Compound Descriptions: Often paired with adverbs to modify the quality of the display of teeth.
- a slightly toothy smile, a wildly toothy grimace
Variants and Related Words
- Toothless (adj): The direct antonym, meaning having no teeth or lacking force or effectiveness.
- Toothsome (adj): An unrelated word meaning delicious or attractive. Do not confuse with "toothy."
- Toothily (adv): The adverbial form, though rarely used (e.g., He smiled toothily).
Synonyms
- Beaming (when implying a broad smile)
- Grinning
- Gaptoothed (specifically when there are spaces between the teeth)
Antonyms
- Toothless
- Tight-lipped
- Closed-mouth
Idioms and Phrases
- A toothy grin/smile: This is the standard and most common collocation for this word.
- The ambassador flashed a toothy smile for the cameras.
Adjective
- having or showing prominent teeth
- a toothy smile