duplicitous smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "duplicitous smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smile that is deceitful or insincere, often implying that the person is hiding their true intentions. Example: "She greeted him with a duplicitous smile, masking her true feelings of resentment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He waited to frustrate it with his charming, duplicitous smile.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As the perpetually drunken and bullish Nathan, Isaac is a mass of conspiratorial contradictions, his smile deliberately duplicitous, his self-mythologising manner carefully conniving, his dancing (to Get Down Saturday Night) genuinely alarming.

The Guardian - Film

Nor more duplicitous.

The Guardian - Books

Woody – evil, duplicitous, dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He is duplicitous.

The Guardian

Was I duplicitous?

The Guardian - Opinion

She wears it well, the duplicitous psycho.

The Guardian - Film

The French are lampooned as duplicitous cowards.

The Economist

Humphrey Bogart and George Clooney demand candor from a duplicitous world.

The New Yorker

Also, as it turns out, duplicitous.

The New York Times

He is not duplicitous in any way.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "duplicitous smile", ensure the context clearly establishes the deception or hidden intent behind the smile to maximize the impact of the description.

Common error

Avoid using "duplicitous smile" when the smile is merely awkward or nervous, rather than intentionally deceptive. The word "duplicitous" implies a deliberate attempt to mislead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "duplicitous smile" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "smile". It serves to ascribe a specific quality to the smile, indicating that it is not genuine and hides a deceptive intent. Ludwig shows examples where the phrase enhances descriptions of character and situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "duplicitous smile" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, albeit rare in occurrence. According to Ludwig, it describes a smile that is deceitful or insincere, often implying hidden intentions. Predominantly found in the context of News & Media, it serves to convey distrust or suspicion. Alternative expressions include "insincere smile" and "deceptive grin". When using "duplicitous smile", ensure the context makes the deception clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insincere smile

Uses the adjective "insincere" which directly states the lack of genuineness in the smile.

false smile

Uses the adjective "false" to indicate the smile is not genuine or truthful.

deceitful smile

Synonym replacement; "deceitful" directly implies intent to mislead or lie.

deceptive grin

Replaces "smile" with "grin", implying a wider, more pronounced, but equally dishonest expression.

phony smile

Uses the adjective "phony" suggesting the smile is fake and intended to deceive.

artificial smile

Uses the adjective "artificial", highlighting the unnatural and contrived nature of the smile.

treacherous smile

Replaces "duplicitous" with "treacherous", emphasizing the potential for harm or betrayal behind the smile.

two-faced smile

Uses the idiom "two-faced" to describe the smile as hypocritical and insincere.

untrustworthy smile

Replaces "duplicitous" with "untrustworthy" to focus on the lack of reliability conveyed by the smile.

conniving smile

Replaces "duplicitous" with "conniving", suggesting the smile is part of a larger scheme or plan.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "duplicitous smile" in a sentence?

You can use "duplicitous smile" to describe a smile that hides someone's true intentions or feelings. For example, "She offered a "duplicitous smile" as she shook his hand, secretly plotting her revenge."

What does "duplicitous smile" mean?

"Duplicitous smile" refers to a smile that is deceptive or insincere, indicating that the person is hiding their true feelings or intentions.

What are some synonyms for "duplicitous smile"?

Alternatives to "duplicitous smile" include "insincere smile", "false smile", or "deceptive grin".

Is it ever appropriate to use "duplicitous smile" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "duplicitous smile" can be used in formal writing when you want to describe someone's smile as deceptive or two-faced. However, consider whether a more straightforward synonym like "insincere smile" would be clearer for your audience.