inexpressive

adjective

in·​ex·​pres·​sive ˌi-nik-ˈspre-siv How to pronounce inexpressive (audio)
1
: lacking expression or meaning
an inexpressive face
2
archaic : inexpressible
inexpressively adverb
inexpressiveness noun

Examples of inexpressive in a Sentence

kept a resolutely inexpressive face throughout the poker game
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the ring, these two broken and inexpressive men become closer than ever before. Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024 Villeneuve’s mix of bald males and women covered in burkas during this midpoint sequence of arena sadism is startling yet inexpressive. Armond White, National Review, 1 Mar. 2024 The effect is similar to casting Liza Minnelli as Christopher Isherwood's immortal heroine Sally Bowles, originally described as a bad, inexpressive singer who was never going to make it. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 13 Oct. 2023 For Gabriela Colón, a Puerto Rican senior designer in San Francisco, Plaza’s portrayal as the perpetually inexpressive intern April Ludgate in NBC’s Parks and Recreation has always struck a chord. Mekita Rivas, refinery29.com, 6 Sep. 2023 The moments of wit and feeling that occasionally steal into the frame — in Cassie’s stubborn yet affectionate eye-rolls, Hank’s genial befuddlement and Janet’s poignant mix of guilt and resolve — feel like emotional outliers in a flat, inexpressive void. Justin Changfilm Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2023 Damon is outstanding as the inexpressive Bill. Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune, 29 July 2021 Peele mixes modern racial anxieties with sub-Tarantino pop-culture trash, yet his concoction is ultimately inexpressive. Armond White, National Review, 22 July 2022 Roy Andersson’s series of comic-tragic tableaux depict the modern Christian quest for salvation that is abandoned by Denis Villeneuve’s inexpressive sci-fi and David Lowery’s fractured mythology. Armond White, National Review, 7 Jan. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of inexpressive was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near inexpressive

Cite this Entry

“Inexpressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inexpressive. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inexpressive

adjective
in·​ex·​pres·​sive ˌin-ik-ˈspres-iv How to pronounce inexpressive (audio)
: lacking expression or meaning
an inexpressive face
inexpressively adverb
inexpressiveness noun
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