forced smiles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forced smiles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe smiles that are not genuine, often made in situations where someone feels pressured to appear happy or agreeable. Example: "During the meeting, everyone wore forced smiles, trying to hide their true feelings about the changes being proposed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Cue the forced smiles.

The New Yorker

Even forced smiles promote cheerful feelings, Dr. Fried said.

The New York Times

They must endure intrusive interviews and muster up forced smiles.

The New York Times

The post-match lap of appreciation featured forced smiles and heavy hearts.

The Guardian - Sport

His actors sometimes look on the bright side with such determination that they seem absolutely giddy, albeit with forced smiles.

The New York Times

You know they're paid to be cheerful and nice to everyone, even obnoxious kids, but you could see their forced smiles.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Lots of forced smiling and phrases like "1 in a billion".

The Guardian - Sport

She'd never met Jonah before and her fake cheeriness and forced smile did little to conceal her uneasiness.

The New York Times - Health

I groaned inwardly and was preparing a forced smile while she started off shyly, but then, of course, the four of us fell over laughing together.

The New Yorker

Bigger forced smile.

Huffington Post

A really forced smile.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's internal state, use "forced smiles" to subtly reveal discomfort, anxiety, or a hidden agenda.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "forced smiles" to convey character emotions. Supplement with other descriptive details like body language or internal thoughts for a richer portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forced smiles" functions as a noun phrase, where "forced" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "smiles". It describes the quality of the smiles being displayed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forced smiles" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe smiles that are not genuine. As highlighted by Ludwig, it effectively conveys insincerity, discomfort, or social obligation. While the phrase is primarily found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using "forced smiles", consider supplementing it with additional descriptive details to create a richer emotional portrayal. Alternatives include "fake smiles" or "insincere smiles" for greater emphasis on the lack of authenticity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fake smiles

Emphasizes the lack of genuineness in the smile.

insincere smiles

Highlights the lack of sincerity behind the smile.

artificial smiles

Suggests the smiles are manufactured or unnatural.

put-on smiles

Implies the smiles are deliberately feigned.

feigned smiles

Similar to 'put-on smiles', indicating pretense.

contrived smiles

Suggests the smiles are elaborately planned and unnatural.

unconvincing smiles

Highlights that the smiles do not appear genuine.

hollow smiles

Suggests the smiles lack substance or warmth.

strained smiles

Emphasizes the effort required to produce the smiles.

plastic smiles

Implies a superficial and unnatural smile.

FAQs

How can I describe a smile that isn't genuine?

Instead of "forced smiles", you could use phrases like "fake smiles", "insincere smiles", or "artificial smiles" to convey the lack of authenticity.

What does it mean when someone gives "forced smiles"?

When someone gives "forced smiles", it usually indicates they are trying to appear happy or agreeable, even if they don't genuinely feel that way. It can be a sign of discomfort, politeness, or even deception.

Are "forced smiles" always negative?

Not necessarily. While often associated with insincerity, "forced smiles" can also be a social lubricant, used to maintain politeness in awkward or uncomfortable situations. It depends heavily on context.

What's the difference between "forced smiles" and genuine smiles?

Genuine smiles, also known as Duchenne smiles, involve the muscles around the eyes, creating crow's feet. "Forced smiles" primarily use the mouth muscles and lack the same warmth and authenticity.