smirk

1 of 2

noun

plural smirks
: a smile that shows a smug, condescending, or self-satisfied attitude
A former prosecutor, she deploys an interrogation style that is impatient and knowing, almost amused. The eyebrows go up, a faint smirk plays around the lips: you might as well fess up.Dana Goodyear
As Frank Cross, the arrogant and abusive television network programming exec in this uproarious update of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, [Bill] Murray offers viewers everything they like about him—sarcastic smirks, disgusted eye-rolls.Doug Brod
And while circulation is certainly declining, nearly 50 million people in the U.S. still buy a daily newspaper. So wipe that smirk off your face, Web triumphalists.Jennifer Saba

smirk

2 of 2

verb

smirked; smirking; smirks
1
intransitive : to smile in a smug, condescending, or self-satisfied way
"I seem to have touched a nerve," said Malfoy, smirking.J. K. Rowling
Cluny lay back and smirked. Everything was going according to plan.Brian Jacques
Some Americans from "old" families likewise smirked behind their napkins at the arriviste's fancy new silver-plate fish set …Douglas Brenner
… they're smirking about the very idea of political seriousness.Kurt Andersen
"Yeah, sure, Ma," I'd say, smirking and rolling my eyes at my husband.Anna Marie Dell'oso
2
transitive : to say or express (something) with a smirk
"No problem," he smirked when I apologized for my wimpiness.Michael Behar

Examples of smirk in a Sentence

Verb She tried not to smirk when they announced the winner.
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.
Noun
The fifth season of Hulu’s hit dystopian series had began with the smirk seen ’round the globe that pit June Osborne (Moss) against Serena Joy Waterford (Strahovski). Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Feb. 2025 With a smirk on his face, Irving is instructed to walk into the forest. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
For as much as Soderbergh has been credited with helping to elevate George Clooney’s film career — creating the right platform for his suave, slightly smirking silver-screen persona — not enough has been said about the rapport he’s had with Clooney’s Ocean’s costar. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 Standing next to the stage five years later, Vrabel smirked. Chad Graff, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for smirk 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of smirk entry 2

Verb

Middle English, from Old English smearcian to smile; akin to Old English smerian to laugh

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1570, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of smirk was circa 1570

Dictionary Entries Near smirk

Cite this Entry

“Smirk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smirk. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

smirk

verb
: to smile in an insincere or smug manner
smirk noun

More from Merriam-Webster on smirk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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