What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deadpan
Example
The comedian delivered his punchline with a deadpan expression. [deadpan: adjective]
Example
She deadpanned her response, leaving everyone unsure if she was joking or serious. [deadpan: verb]
expressionless
Example
He looked at her with an expressionless face, making it hard to tell what he was thinking. [expressionless: adjective]
Example
The actor's performance was criticized for being too expressionless and lacking depth. [expressionless: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expressionless is more commonly used than deadpan in everyday language. While deadpan is a more specific term that is often used in the context of comedy or humor, expressionless is a more general term that can be used in a variety of situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deadpan and expressionless?
Both deadpan and expressionless are relatively informal terms that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, deadpan may be considered slightly more informal due to its association with comedy and humor.
