grimace
3 synonyms for grimace, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A twisted facial expression, usually showing pain, disgust, or discomfort.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
make a face
pull a face
How to use grimace
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
grimace in pain
a pained grimace
grimace at the taste
Etymology
From French grimace, ultimately from a Frankish word for "mask" — the same root that gives us "grime," since a distorted face was once likened to a mask.
Full origin of grimace →Frequently asked questions
What does “grimace” mean?
The word “grimace” means a twisted facial expression, usually showing pain, disgust, or discomfort. In plain terms, a screwed-up facial expression showing pain or disgust, or the act of making one.
How do you pronounce “grimace”?
“Grimace” is pronounced GRIHM-uhs (/ˈɡɹɪm.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “grimace” in a sentence?
Here is “grimace” used in a sentence: “He winced with a grimace as the nurse cleaned the wound.”
What part of speech is “grimace”?
Depending on how it is used, “grimace” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grimace” come from?
The word “grimace” comes from French. From French grimace, ultimately from a Frankish word for "mask" — the same root that gives us "grime," since a distorted face was once likened to a mask.
How many meanings does “grimace” have?
“Grimace” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a twisted facial expression, usually showing pain, disgust, or discomfort.
