smile
verb (used without object)
to assume a facial expression indicating pleasure, favor, or amusement, but sometimes derision or scorn, characterized by an upturning of the corners of the mouth.
smilingly
-
a word derived from
smile.
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.
When admonished, “I must say, Mr. Burrows, you were pretty naive,” he smilingly answers, “I would say I was stupid.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
She poked fun at the incident with her staffer in an ad, smilingly asking a group of whiteboard-wielding supporters behind her to “please get out of my shot.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2026
"But are we going to talk about football?" the Real Madrid forward smilingly responded.
From BBC ● Apr. 8, 2024
“Everybody is going, ‘WHOA!’” said David, who smilingly gave her age as “older than my 60s” and is the site director for New York Junior Tennis Learning, which works with children and teens.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 1, 2022
With the view of passing off an awkward moment, Emma smilingly said,
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
