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

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

With his eyes closed and his face grimacing, he grappled for a bolt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Islam Iskau, who's 72, is wearing an oxygen mask and is grimacing from pains in his leg.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2025

“Yeah, PhD,” said Mariam, grimacing at Noor’s know-it-all-ness.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer