amicable smiles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amicable smiles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe friendly or pleasant smiles exchanged between people, often in a social context. Example: "As they met for the first time, they exchanged amicable smiles, setting a positive tone for the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As he wrote to me before I left, "I hope you will still see the amicable smiles of our people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is Strahan's ninth season; he was a second-round pick by the Giants in 1993, the 40th player chosen, a big, wide-toothed Texan with an amicable smile and an intense temperament perfectly suited for football.

The New York Times - Sports

In what appeared to be a firing disguised as an amicable separation, the Dodgers and Mattingly parted ways with shallow smiles and air kisses.

Los Angeles Times

Just over a month ago, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and members of the City Council, all smiles, crowded into the rotunda of City Hall to announce an amicable agreement on a $42.3 billion city budget that avoided layoffs, raised few taxes and restored $175 million in services at the Council's request.

The New York Times

How amicable is too amicable?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The couples are amicable.

The New York Times

Her divorce was amicable.

The Economist

It's been very amicable.

Independent

The parting seems amicable.

The New York Times

Most have been amicable.

The Guardian - Opinion

American Amicable disputes that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "amicable smiles" to specifically describe smiles that convey both friendliness and a sense of goodwill, particularly in situations where maintaining positive relationships is important. This phrase is appropriate for describing diplomatic interactions or reconciliations.

Common error

While "amicable" adds a touch of sophistication, it can sound overly formal in casual situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "friendly" or "pleasant" smiles when describing everyday interactions to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amicable smiles" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "amicable" modifies the noun "smiles". According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is employed to describe a particular type of smile that conveys friendliness and goodwill.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "amicable smiles" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe smiles conveying both friendliness and goodwill. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While less frequent than alternatives like "friendly smiles", it is particularly suitable for formal contexts where maintaining positive relationships is paramount. Its primary use is observed in news and media, signaling its appropriateness for professional communication. When choosing between "amicable smiles" and simpler alternatives, consider the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you aim to convey. Using "amicable smiles" can add sophistication to your writing while effectively communicating a sense of agreement and warmth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friendly smiles

Replaces "amicable" with the more common synonym "friendly", emphasizing the warmth of the smiles.

pleasant smiles

Substitutes "amicable" with "pleasant", highlighting the agreeable nature of the smiles.

cordial smiles

Uses "cordial" in place of "amicable", suggesting a more formal and polite friendliness in the smiles.

agreeable smiles

Replaces "amicable" with "agreeable", focusing on the harmonious and pleasing quality of the smiles.

welcoming smiles

Substitutes "amicable" with "welcoming", emphasizing the inviting nature of the smiles.

gracious smiles

Uses "gracious" to describe the smiles, implying politeness and kindness.

warm smiles

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the smiles, highlighting their warmth and sincerity.

kind smiles

Emphasizes the benevolence and gentle nature of the smiles.

benevolent smiles

Highlights the kind and well-meaning aspect of the smiles.

affable smiles

Replaces "amicable" with the synonym "affable", which can be less common but emphasizes approachability.

FAQs

How can I use "amicable smiles" in a sentence?

You can use "amicable smiles" to describe a friendly and agreeable expression. For example, "Despite their disagreement, they exchanged "amicable smiles" at the end of the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "amicable smiles"?

Alternatives include "friendly smiles", "pleasant smiles", or "cordial smiles", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "amicable smiles" and "friendly smiles"?

"Amicable smiles" implies a sense of goodwill and agreement, while "friendly smiles" simply indicates warmth and approachability. "Amicable" suggests a deeper level of positive sentiment.

Is "amicable smiles" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "amicable smiles" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing situations where diplomacy and positive relationships are emphasized. It adds a refined touch to your descriptions.