half-smile

British  

noun

1. a smile that is uncertain or short-lived

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Example Sentences

It’s one of the best performances of this past year and if Rios never acted again, it’d be a one-off for the ages, perfectly encapsulated in the strange, forced, teary half-smile of Oscar that closes this remarkable movie like an inky smudge on a passionately scribbled first draft.

From Los Angeles Times

The little guy gives me this half-smile, like a thank-you, but also like he’s scared of me.

From Literature

Asked later if it felt like a backward pass, Darnold had a half-smile and said, “Um, yeah. It felt like I threw it kind of right on the side. I’m glad Charbs picked it up, and that turned out to be a game-changing play.”

From Los Angeles Times

She’s singularly gifted with the ability to oppose the film’s garish elements with a flicker of her eyes, or a cracked half-smile that furtively suggests Grace is still somewhere in there, trying her hardest not to be swallowed by a shadow self.

From Salon

Only the dark shades he sports and a wry half-smile hint at the performer to come.

From Los Angeles Times