contagious smile

USAGE SUMMARY

"contagious smile" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a smile that is so big and genuine that it is likely to make others smile as well. For example: His contagious smile was so full of excitement that it was impossible not to share in his enthusiasm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

With his contagious smile, he never failed to make those around him laugh.

The New York Times

Terry's got white hair, a freckled forehead, and a contagious smile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His usual contagious smile and boundless enthusiasm have been grounded by the Heat's constant pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

Combined with a possibly contagious smile, laughter and wit, and these buck teeth could have been quite irresistible.

The New York Times

Her warm contagious smile, outgoing personality and giving heart endeared her to all those whose lives she touched.

The New York Times

Condolences have poured in across social media from friends and fellow correspondents, remembering Foley's contagious smile and tireless enthusiasm.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Do you think of cognitive disabilities, short stature and contagious smiles?

HuffPost

He looked like many of my friends, and he had what looked like one of those contagious smiles.

Huffington Post

Mr. Brindley will say hello to strangers and he always has a grin on his face happiness can be contagious, a smile and a wave from a friendly face will make you happy.

Vice

Everyone that met her always commented that she was a bright and witty lady who always had a huge, contagious, warmhearted smile on her face.

The New York Times

Research has proven than smiling is actually contagious, and your smile will make the person more likely to smile and to be open to you.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contagious smile" to positively describe someone's expression that has an uplifting effect on others.

Common error

Avoid using "contagious smile" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral or professional descriptions of a person's demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contagious smile" functions as a descriptive adjective-noun combination, modifying the noun "smile". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, demonstrating its role in providing vivid descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

HuffPost

14%

Los Angeles Times

9%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contagious smile" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, especially in news and media, to describe a smile that is both appealing and evokes positive feelings in others. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While generally neutral in register, it may be less suitable for highly formal contexts. Alternatives such as "infectious smile" or "radiant smile" can offer similar nuances. When using the expression, remember to consider the context and aim for vivid, positive imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infectious smile

Replaces "contagious" with "infectious", which carries a similar meaning of spreading or inducing a feeling in others.

irresistible smile

Emphasizes the smile's compelling and hard-to-resist quality.

radiant smile

Focuses on the brightness and positive energy of the smile.

charming smile

Highlights the smile's attractiveness and pleasantness.

heartwarming smile

Highlights the smile's ability to evoke feelings of warmth and affection.

magnetic smile

Suggests the smile has a powerful, attracting effect.

winning smile

Focuses on the smile's ability to charm or gain favor.

engaging smile

Describes a smile that draws people in and holds their attention.

gleaming smile

Emphasizes the shining quality and visual appeal of the smile.

effervescent smile

Implies the smile is bubbly, lively, and full of energy.

FAQs

How can I describe a smile similar to a "contagious smile"?

You can use alternatives like "infectious smile", "winning smile", or "radiant smile" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "contagious smile" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "contagious smile" is generally more suitable for informal or descriptive writing. Formal contexts may benefit from a more neutral or professional tone.

What makes a smile "contagious"?

A "contagious smile" is characterized by its genuine, heartfelt quality and its ability to evoke similar positive emotions in others. It often conveys warmth, happiness, and enthusiasm.

Can "contagious smile" be used to describe animals?

While less common, "contagious smile" could be used metaphorically to describe an animal's expression that appears happy and evokes positive feelings, but it is usually reserved for humans.