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Meaning & use

grimacing

verb·Everyday

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UK/ˈɡrɪm.ə.sɪŋ/
US/ˈɡrɪm.ə.sɪŋ/

“grimacing” is a form of “grimace”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbintransitive

    Making an ugly twisted expression with your face because of pain, disgust or strong effort.

    Grammar: The -ing form of grimace; no object: he was grimacing in pain.

    Patterns

    • grimacing in pain
    • grimacing at something

    He was grimacing in pain after twisting his ankle.

    She sipped the bitter tea, grimacing.

    The runner crossed the line, grimacing with effort.

  2. verbintransitivehumorous

    Pulling faces on purpose, usually to be funny or to show dislike.

    Grammar: Less common sense; often used with children.

    Patterns

    • grimacing at someone

    The boy was grimacing at his sister across the table.

    The actor kept grimacing for the camera.

    The toddler stood grimacing at her reflection.

Common combinations

grimacing in pain
The player left the field grimacing in pain.
grimacing with disgust
He drank the medicine, grimacing with disgust.
grimacing slightly
She smiled while grimacing slightly at the taste.
grimacing at
He was grimacing at the sight of the spider.
grimacing and groaning
Grimacing and groaning, he lifted the box.

Synonyms and how they differ

wincing
Wincing is a quick small reaction to sudden pain, while grimacing is a longer, more visible twisting of the face.
scowling
Scowling expresses anger or disapproval, not pain or disgust.
frowning
Frowning is milder and suggests worry or concentration with the brow.
cringing
Cringing involves the body and suggests embarrassment or fear, not just the face.

Opposites

smilingbeaming

Word family

grimace verb
to twist the face in pain or disgust
grimace noun
a twisted facial expression
grimaced verb
the past form of grimace
grimly adverb
in a stern or gloomy way

Commonly confused: grimacing or grinning?

grimacing vs grinning

Grinning means smiling broadly, usually from happiness, while grimacing shows pain or disgust. The two sound alike but have opposite moods.

Practice

Tom took a spoonful of the sour sauce, ____ at the taste.

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