grimacing

American  

[grim-uhs-ing, gri-mey-sing] / ˈgrɪm əs ɪŋ, grɪˈmeɪ sɪŋ /

adjective

1. making or causing a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, disgust, etc..

   To the grimacing dissatisfaction of coffee drinkers, pranksters had put salt in the sugar bowl.

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noun

1. the act of making a facial expression that indicates disapproval, pain, disgust, etc..

   Incoming patients can be made anxious by the grimacing of other patients waiting to be seen.

Other Word Forms

• grimacingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of grimacing

First recorded in 1740–50; grimace ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; grimace ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

The Lakers were down by nine when Doncic departed, rubbing the back of his left thigh and grimacing in discomfort and clear frustration.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

“Tiny little mic,” she said, grimacing at a recent premiere.

From Salon • Jan. 11, 2026

With his eyes closed and his face grimacing, he grappled for a bolt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Frank was furious at his team's lack of aggression at Arsenal, visibly grimacing when he pointed out they only won 17 out of 53 duels and second-ball situations.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

Here Uncle Turu placed his hands on the sides of his head and pulled the hair away from his face, grimacing horribly.

From "The Ugly One" by Leanne Statland Ellis

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer