grimace
noun
a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.
was grimacing
-
past progressiveof grimace.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
A flurry in the eighth backed Hrgovic on to the ropes and had him in trouble, but Itauma was grimacing between exchanges and looking increasingly spent.
From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026
But in the Game 5 loss to Minnesota that ended their season Wednesday, Luka Doncic was grimacing after a foul jammed his lower back in the first half.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2025
He was checked on by a team trainer and returned, but was grimacing on the court.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 28, 2023
Today, a tired-eyed man was grimacing as he waited to discover what lay behind the 30% overall safety he’d chosen.
From Slate ● Sep. 24, 2022
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
