grimace

American  

[grim-uhs, gri-meys] / ˈgrɪm əs, grɪˈmeɪs /

noun

1. a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.

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verb (used without object)

grimaced, grimacing

1. to make a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.

grimace British  

/ ɡrɪˈmeɪs /

noun

1. an ugly or distorted facial expression, as of wry humour, disgust, etc

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verb

1. (intr) to contort the face

Other Word Forms

• grimacer noun
• grimacingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of grimace

First recorded in 1645–55; from French, ultimately from Frankish grima (unrecorded) “mask” ( grim, grime ) + -azo, from Latin -āceus -aceous

Example Sentences

“I know where it is,” he said through the grimace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

"Some attendees, unable to tolerate the stench, grimace and cover their noses as they approach the flower."

From Salon • May 27, 2025

Or, for that matter, the jealous, craven Guy rising to the surface, whom Stan nails hilariously with each stewing grimace.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

Eyebrows dance above her piercing eyes as her mouth stretches into a toothy grin that’s part smile, part grimace.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2024

The grimace on her face when she put her hand out for the customary end of the match handshake said exactly what she couldn’t say out loud.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer