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DictionarygrimaceTwisted facial expression
noun / verb

grimace

GRIM-us/ɡrˈɪmʌs/

A twisted facial expression showing pain or dislike, or making such an expression.

Her wrinkled nose and tightened lips form a grimace of disgust.

A close, uncluttered portrait of an older Latina woman making a clear grimace of disgust, with a wrinkled nose, narrowed eyes, and tightened, asymmetrical lips.
Etymology
grimaceFrenchgrotesque face, ugly mug

The French word meant a grotesque or ugly face. The English sense focuses on facial distortion as an expression of pain, disgust, or disapproval.

In context

Uncharted Mysteries52:38
But unlike the serene, composed faces of the royal mummies around her, this woman's mouth was locked open in a wide, terrifying grimace of agony.
The GREATEST Archaeology Discoveries of 2025

More examples

  • A grimace crossed her face as she stepped on the sore foot.
  • She tried to smile but managed only a grimace.
  • The player grimaced after the awkward landing.

Forms

grimace · grimaces · grimaced · grimacing

Similar words

wince
A wince is a brief reaction to pain or distress; a grimace specifically twists the face.
scowl
A scowl shows anger or displeasure; a grimace can express pain, disgust, or discomfort.