gleaming smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gleaming smile" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to describe someone's smile, such as in the sentence: "She greeted us with a gleaming smile that was full of joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

With his white pompadour and gleaming smile, he was known as "Uncle Al" on the set.

Independent

Gleaming smile, ridiculously chivalrous, arm around waist, "How's that limp now?

The Guardian - Music

Like Chris Rock, she can get away with almost anything because her gleaming smile signals mischief rather than malice.

The New York Times - Arts

But Mallett, a 6-foot-7 junior, still has the gleaming smile he left home with after high school three and a half years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

They miss Firefighter Graffagnino's gleaming smile and brawny hugs, and are eager to get answers from a pending investigation into the fire by the Manhattan district attorney's office.

The New York Times

Ms. Reyes's Valencienne should have been counted on for comic relief, yet she generally wears two expressions throughout the ballet: a gleaming smile or wide-eyed shock.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

And with courage comes dignity -- there before me in full force in the pride of their gleaming smiles.

Huffington Post

A jovial couple raising their wine glasses in a toast to something that must be great (could it be Desert Trip?) given their gleaming smiles.

Los Angeles Times

A jovial couple raising their wine glasses in a toast to something that must be great (could it be Desert Trip?) given their gleaming smiles.

Los Angeles Times

'Oh, I'd love to, but I got to figure out Iran first.' " He flashed a gleaming white smile.

The New Yorker

He's slick, professional, and he flogs his wares with the gleaming white smile of a 1950s used car salesman.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gleaming smile" to vividly portray a smile that is not only bright but also suggests cleanliness, health, and often a positive disposition. This phrase is especially effective in descriptive writing to create a strong visual image.

Common error

Avoid using "gleaming smile" excessively in formal or professional writing where a more neutral descriptor like "warm smile" or "genuine smile" might be more appropriate. The intensity of "gleaming" can sometimes seem out of place in serious or somber contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gleaming smile" functions as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "smile" with the adjective "gleaming". This vividly characterizes the smile, emphasizing its brightness and attractiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Huffington Post

13%

The New York Times

10%

Less common in

Forbes

3%

Vice

3%

The New Yorker

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gleaming smile" is a descriptive adjective + noun combination used to portray a particularly bright and attractive smile. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, aiming to create a vivid and positive image. While effective in descriptive writing, overuse in formal settings should be avoided in favor of more neutral alternatives like "warm smile". Describing a smile as "gleaming" suggests not only brightness but also cleanliness and health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

radiant smile

Replaces "gleaming" with "radiant", emphasizing the brightness and positive energy of the smile.

bright smile

Uses "bright" instead of "gleaming", focusing on the luminosity of the smile.

shining smile

Substitutes "gleaming" with "shining", highlighting the reflective quality of the smile.

sparkling smile

Employs "sparkling" to suggest a lively and attractive smile.

dazzling smile

Replaces "gleaming" with "dazzling", emphasizing the impressiveness of the smile.

luminous smile

Uses "luminous" instead of "gleaming", focusing on the light-emitting aspect of the smile.

brilliant smile

Substitutes "gleaming" with "brilliant", indicating a striking and memorable smile.

effulgent smile

Replaces "gleaming" with "effulgent", offering a more formal and intense descriptor of the smile's radiance.

vibrant smile

Uses "vibrant" instead of "gleaming", emphasizing the lively and energetic quality of the smile.

resplendent smile

Substitutes "gleaming" with "resplendent", conveying a rich and splendid smile.

FAQs

How can I describe a smile that is more than just bright?

The phrase "gleaming smile" suggests not only brightness but also a sense of cleanliness and healthiness, making it a more vivid description than simply saying "bright smile".

What's a more formal way to describe a bright smile?

For a more formal tone, consider using "radiant smile" or "luminous smile", which convey brightness without the potential informality associated with "gleaming".

Is "gleaming smile" appropriate for all types of writing?

While "gleaming smile" is suitable for descriptive and creative writing, it may be less appropriate for formal or technical contexts where a more neutral term is preferred.

What other words can I use instead of "gleaming" to describe a smile?

Alternatives include "shining", "sparkling", or "dazzling", each adding a slightly different nuance to the description of the smile.