striking smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "striking smile" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe someone who has a particularly memorable or notable smile, like "He had a striking smile that lit up the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The writing is earnest, with hints of pulp: Grinstead, who was thirty years old, white, and a former Miss Georgia contestant, is described as a "former beauty queen" and a "gorgeous brunette with a striking smile".

The New Yorker

Throughout the concert Brian combined fan favorites with new music and wowed the audience with his striking smile.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Field's enthusiasm – for people and their stories, for the projects that come her way – is as striking as her expansive smile.

Independent

The man posed the question with a big smile, made more striking by his gold inlays, which had been set in a line rising diagonally across his upper front teeth.

The New Yorker

Mr Kikwete opens the sun-roof and springs up through it, like a jack-in-the-box, meeting the crowd with a sympathetic smile.The most striking development is in education.

The Economist

Born to a 17-year-old in 1986, when teenage childbearing began its most alarming spike, she is now a tall, striking girl with a radiant smile and a yearning to succeed.

The New York Times

There is also, similarly, the striking approximation of a human smile on the face of every pig, even a slaughtered one hung upside down by the hocks: the small eyes close tight in mirth and the mouth hangs open in a pleasant expression made worse by the color of the face, which, in its pallor, approximates the colour of Nordic human flesh".

The Guardian - Books

JOSEPH A. CORBETT Not Just Picture Perfect With their striking blue eyes and warm smiles, Felicia and Joseph A. Corbett made a stunning couple.

The New York Times

Beard observes that there is no word in Latin for "smile," and makes the striking suggestion that the Romans simply did not smile in the sense that we understand the social gesture today.

The New Yorker

In the six-second video, someone with a striking resemblance to Couch is seen smiling, laughing, and looking on as one of his obnoxious friends swan-dives onto a table of half full cups of beer.

Vice

He cuts a striking figure with his stocky frame, beatific smile and pitch-black hair worn long and swept back.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "striking smile" to describe a smile that is not only attractive but also leaves a strong impression due to its uniqueness or expressiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "striking smile" in overly generic descriptions where a simpler term like "nice smile" would suffice. Reserve it for smiles that genuinely stand out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "striking smile" functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun. It is used to highlight a specific quality of a smile, emphasizing its visual impact and memorability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriateness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "striking smile" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered phrase used to describe a particularly noticeable and attractive smile. Ludwig AI confirms that it is perfectly acceptable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not extremely frequent, its use adds emphasis to the described smile, highlighting its memorable and unique qualities. When using this phrase, consider whether a more general term like "beautiful smile" or more specific alternatives like "radiant smile" might be more appropriate based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stunning smile

Indicates the smile is extremely impressive or beautiful.

memorable smile

Focuses on the smile being easily remembered.

radiant smile

Suggests the smile is bright and full of positive emotion.

captivating smile

Suggests the smile is alluring and holds your attention.

alluring smile

The smile has the power to attract or charm.

noticeable smile

Emphasizes that the smile is easily observed.

remarkable smile

Highlights the unusual or exceptional quality of the smile.

winning smile

Implies the smile is charming and persuasive.

beautiful smile

A general term for a smile that is aesthetically pleasing.

impressive smile

Focuses on the impact and effect the smile has on others.

FAQs

How can I describe a memorable smile?

You can use phrases like "memorable smile", "noticeable smile", or "remarkable smile" depending on the specific quality you want to highlight.

What does it mean to say someone has a "striking smile"?

It means their smile is particularly noticeable and attractive, often leaving a strong impression. It suggests the smile has a unique or memorable quality.

Which is more impactful, "striking smile" or "beautiful smile"?

"Striking smile" suggests a smile that stands out and is memorable, while "beautiful smile" is a more general term for an aesthetically pleasing smile. The better choice depends on the specific impression you want to convey.

Are there any negative connotations to the phrase "striking smile"?

No, "striking smile" generally has positive connotations, implying attractiveness and memorability. However, context is always important. Ensure the description aligns with the overall tone of your writing.