noun
smirk
smurk
noun
1
A sly, self-satisfied, or mocking half-smile.
"A smirk crossed his face when he realized he'd won."
verb
1
To smile in this sly or self-satisfied way.
"She smirked as she watched her rival fumble the answer."
How to Use Smirk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA knowing or superior half-smile, often at someone else's expense.
Common mistake
A smirk is usually smug or mocking, unlike a genuine, friendly smile.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
more smirk comparative, smirked past tense, smirks plural, smirks singular, most smirk superlative
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A _____ crossed his face when he realized he'd won.
Etymology
From Old English smearcian, "to smile," related to smile. The word narrowed over time to mean a smug or mocking smile rather than a genuine one.