falsesmile

noun

UK /ˌfɔːls ˈsmaɪl/

US /ˌfɔls ˈsmaɪl/

A false smile is a smile you show when you are not really happy.

She gave a false smile to hide how nervous she felt.

SYNONYMS

fake smile forced smile pretend smile insincere smile

RELATED WORDS

mask pretense deception politeness expression

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A smile used to be polite to someone you do not like.

He greeted the new neighbor with a false smile.

3. A smile that hides true feelings such as sadness or anger.

Behind her false smile, she was fighting back tears.

4. A smile put on for a photo or performance rather than felt inside.

The actor wore a false smile for the cameras.