Meaning & use

grin

verb·Everyday

To smile broadly, showing the teeth, usually to express amusement, pleasure, or embarrassment.

See it in a sentence

He couldn't stop grinning after hearing he had gotten the job.

She grinned mischievously before finally revealing the surprise she had planned all week.

A note on using this word

Grin implies a wider, often toothier smile than a plain 'smile,' and it can suggest mischief as well as joy.

Words with a similar meaning

smile broadlybeam

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. noun

A broad smile that shows the teeth.

A wide grin spread across his face when he saw the puppy.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “grin”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.