Smiling
adj.joyful, kindwarm
What it means
Showing warmth or happiness with a smile.
Reach for it when describing a face or person visibly expressing warmth, pleasure, or welcome
A smiling volunteer greeted each family at the door.
Choose between these
8- playful
when a wide lively smile fits the tone
not when Grinning can look mischievous or insensitive.
- everyday
when the underlying feeling is the point
not when A pleased person may not be smiling.
- warm
when broad unmistakable happiness is visible
not when Beaming is stronger than a quiet smile.
- warm
when the general mood matters more than the expression
not when Cheerfulness need not be shown by a smile.
- warm
when happiness seems to light the whole appearance
not when Radiant adds beauty and intensity.
- warm
when the expression invites approach
not when A welcoming manner involves more than the face.
- formal
when friendly good humor suits polished prose
not when Genial describes disposition rather than one expression.
- literary
bright-faced
when a visibly lively expression suits descriptive prose
not when Bright-faced is unusual and can sound childlike.
Said against
3- frowning
- scowling
- grim
It naturally appears in
3- smiling face
A smiling face greeted every nervous performer backstage.
- smiling broadly
The children waited, smiling broadly, beside the finished mural.
- smiling welcome
Her smiling welcome eased the visitor's uncertainty.
The word family
1Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English adjective: having or showing a smile opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.