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Synonyms

unsmiling

British  
/ ʌnˈsmaɪlɪŋ /

adjective

  1. not wearing or assuming a smile; serious

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Standing stiff and unsmiling next to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump appeared unmoved by the former imperial temple in Beijing where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Indiana, meanwhile, went from being the team known for posting more losses than any other in Division I history to a legitimate force when it hired Cignetti, an unsmiling protégé of Saban’s in Tuscaloosa.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Belichick, known for his rumpled appearance, unsmiling countenance and monotone voice, was celebrated as savant, savior and sage.

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2024

She filled the place with antiques and doilies and Victorian-era wedding photos — some of which she bought on EBay — with unsmiling brides and grooms.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2023

“I hate you so much,” said Freya, who stood unsmiling beside Loki.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

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