A Smirk is a subtle, often arrogant or self-satisfied smile. It's a facial expression that suggests smugness, scorn, or concealed amusement, frequently at someone else's expense. Unlike a genuine smile, a Smirk rarely conveys warmth or friendliness. Instead, it often implies superiority, condescension, or a secret understanding that excludes others. The expression can be a fleeting movement of the lips, often lifting one corner slightly higher than the other, and can communicate a wide range of negative or complex emotions, depending on context. It's frequently used to reveal a character's true motivations, whether it's arrogance, malice or simple satisfaction at some unexpected turn of events. The presence of a Smirk often implies a lack of sincerity or a hidden agenda.
Smirk meaning with examples
- As the villain revealed their plan, a Smirk played on their lips, betraying their sinister intentions and the delight they took in their malicious scheme. The hero had no doubt about the threat posed, and that Smirk was their undoing. This single expression gave more insight into their motivations than words ever could.
- Despite the judge's stern warning, the defendant offered a slight Smirk as the guilty verdict was read. It was a clear display of defiance, refusing to acknowledge or respect the process or gravity of his crimes. The Smirk infuriated the victim’s family, as they took that as a direct insult to their pain.
- After easily answering the complex riddle, the young prodigy offered a self-satisfied Smirk, turning the moment into a display of self-satisfaction. The teacher, though proud of his student, silently wished the boy displayed more humility and did not seem to revel in his own brilliance at everyone else's expense.
- The detective, upon receiving the anonymous tip, gave a knowing Smirk, hinting that he already had a lead and that the tip merely confirmed his suspicions. He was close to solving the case, and this expression told the other detectives that the case was closed in his head.
- Witnessing the other team's blunder, the opposing coach couldn't help but let a Smirk cross their face, as if saying ‘I knew this would happen.’ The other coach turned red as they now knew they had made a mistake, and had no comeback after that expression.
Smirk Crossword Answers
5 Letters
SNEER
6 Letters
SIMPER
7 Letters
GRIMACE