smiling
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for smiling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Wearing a smile; cheerful in expression.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Wearing a smile; cheerful in expression.
“A smiling child waved at us from the back of the bus.”
Opposites
Frequently asked questions
What does “smiling” mean?
The word “smiling” means wearing a smile; cheerful in expression. In plain terms, wearing a happy expression, or the act of doing so.
How do you pronounce “smiling”?
“Smiling” is pronounced SMEYE-lihng (/ˈsmaɪlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “smiling” in a sentence?
Here is “smiling” used in a sentence: “The smiling waiter handed us our menus.”
What is the opposite of “smiling”?
The opposite of “smiling” — its antonyms — is unsmiling.
What part of speech is “smiling”?
Depending on how it is used, “smiling” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “smiling” a common word?
“Smiling” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “smiling” have?
“Smiling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: wearing a smile; cheerful in expression.
What is the difference between 'smiling' and 'grinning'?
'Smiling' describes the general upturned, cheerful expression of the mouth. 'Grinning' describes a broad, often toothy smile that can suggest amusement, mischief, or great pleasure.
What is the difference between 'smiling' and 'beaming'?
'Smiling' is the neutral term for wearing a smile, while 'beaming' means smiling broadly and radiantly, usually out of strong happiness or pride. Beaming implies more visible joy than a simple smile.
Can 'smiling' be used as an adjective?
Yes, 'smiling' works as an adjective meaning wearing a smile or cheerful in expression, as in 'a smiling face' or 'smiling children'. In this use it describes the noun rather than an ongoing action.
What is the opposite of 'smiling'?
The direct opposite is 'unsmiling', meaning not wearing a smile and often serious or stern in expression. Words like 'frowning' or 'scowling' describe more actively negative expressions.
