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Definition of grimace

grimace

/ˈɡrɪm.əs/
grim · ace
Plural:grimaces
•
Past Simple:grimaced
•
Past Participle:grimaced
•
Present Participle:grimacing
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grimace Lexical Profile

grimace Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A sharp contortion or twisting of the face, typically expressing pain, disgust, disapproval, or wry amusement.

Example

"He gave a slight grimace as the nurse cleaned the scrape on his knee."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To make a twisted or contorted facial expression, typically to indicate pain, disgust, or wry amusement.

Example

"She grimaced at the bitter taste of the unsweetened herbal tea."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for grimace
Antonyms
View all antonyms for grimace

• Rhymes for grimace

• Nearby Words

grillsteak
grillwork
grim
grimace
grime
grimily
griminess

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French grimace, likely from Old Spanish grimazo ('caricature, grotesque figure'), which is thought to derive from a Frankish or Germanic root akin to Old High German grimm ('fierce' or 'grim').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Grimace. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/grimace
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