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Showing results for "grimacing"
Synonyms

grimacing

American  
[grim-uhs-ing, gri-may-sing] / ˈgrɪm əs ɪŋ, grɪˈmeɪ sɪŋ /

adjective

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

    To the grimacing dissatisfaction of coffee drinkers, pranksters had put salt in the sugar bowl.


noun

  1. the act of making a facial expression that indicates disapproval, pain, disgust, etc..

    Incoming patients can be made anxious by the grimacing of other patients waiting to be seen.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of grimacing

First recorded in 1740–50; grimace ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective; grimace ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A flurry in the eighth backed Hrgovic on to the ropes and had him in trouble, but Itauma was grimacing between exchanges and looking increasingly spent.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

Just last week, the actress shared a mirror selfie in which she could be seen showing off her growing baby bump, pulling up her black shirt to flaunt her stomach, while grimacing at the camera.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

The Lakers were down by nine when Doncic departed, rubbing the back of his left thigh and grimacing in discomfort and clear frustration.

From Barron's ● Feb. 6, 2026

“Tiny little mic,” she said, grimacing at a recent premiere.

From Salon ● Jan. 11, 2026

Once inside, I look back and see the bouncer holding Gary by the shoulders, and Gary grimacing while staring at his hand.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan

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