crack a smile
Show slight amusement
To crack a smile is to smile, especially reluctantly or after maintaining a serious expression: He finally cracked a smile when she told the joke.
The phrase emphasizes the breaking of composure—a smile emerging despite efforts to suppress it or after a period of stoniness.
Broad, toothy smile
- smirkPleased, superior smile
- chuckleLow, suppressed laugh
- giggleSoft, silly vocalization
- snickerStifled, scornful laugh
humor · joke · wit · banter · levity · mirth · lightheartedness · playfulness
Structural support member
- twinkleShine with flickering light
- delightIntense pleasure or satisfaction
- joyIntense positive emotion
- gleeExuberant, often impish delight
radiant · cheerful · contented · charmed · pleased · uplifted · affection · fondness
Uncomplaining endurer of hardship
- reservedRestrained in manner
- sternStrict or ship's aft
- stonyRocky or emotionless
- poker-facedShowing no emotion
guarded · grudging · finally · begrudging · serious · suppressed · restrained · reluctant
grin
Broad, toothy smile
snicker · humor · joke · wit · banter · levity · mirth · lightheartedness · playfulness · teasing
beam
Structural support member
- twinkleShine with flickering light
- delightIntense pleasure or satisfaction
- joyIntense positive emotion
glee · radiant · cheerful · contented · charmed · pleased · uplifted · affection · fondness · connection
stoic
Uncomplaining endurer of hardship
poker-faced · guarded · grudging · finally · begrudging · serious · suppressed · restrained · reluctant · unbend
crack a smilefrown
Disapproving facial expression
scowl · grimace · burst into tears · glare · pout
crack, smile, cracks, cracked, cracking, cracker, crackers, smiles, smiled