Showing results for "grimacing"

• present participle of grimace.

grimacing

American  

[grim-uhs-ing, gri-mey-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.

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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

• grimacingly
  adverb

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

See Examples For:

grimacing

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

Muchova, who began grimacing because of an issue with her left leg in the sixth game, called for the trainer and received medical attention off court.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2025

LeBron James, whom we last saw on the court grimacing after a hip flexor strain, didn’t have much burst to the basket or much touch on his shot.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 2025

Boaz turned briefly, scowling, and realized a second too late that to everyone else it might appear that he was grimacing at the pair of elderly men in the row behind him.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer