What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smirked
Example
He smirked when he heard the news. [smirked: verb]
Example
She gave him a smirk before walking away. [smirk: noun]
leer
Example
He leered at her as she walked by. [leered: verb]
Example
The man's leer made her feel uncomfortable. [leer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smirked is more commonly used in everyday language than leer. Smirked is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while leer is less common and often used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smirked and leer?
Both smirked and leer are informal words that are often used in casual conversation. However, leer may be considered more inappropriate or offensive in certain contexts due to its suggestive or predatory connotations.