Here is an updated list of 240 words describing the use of facial expressions which will prove useful for students of drama and theatre. Each word is now accompanied by half a dozen carefully selected and easy-to-understand synonyms.
Often as part of their coursework, drama students analyse aspects of a live theatre performance. These written analyses regularly include describing the actor’s facial expressions. This is where the list of words in this post and their related synonyms becomes a gold mine for students who wish to get high marks.
Ever found yourself repeating the same old words or phrases in a class essay about how an actor used facial expressions in a performance? For years I received the same old responses from my high school drama students. How many times can you say she had a furrowed brow, pursed lips, or conveyed a gentle glance to another character on stage? Don’t worry. You’re not alone! I soon realised this was my fault as their teacher because I did not provide my students with a set of powerful words describing facial expressions in performance, beyond our frequently used favourites.
Many drama and theatre students are also required to analyse and evaluate their own solo or ensemble work developed in the classroom. These written pieces may form part of a regular drama journal kept on a class-by-class or weekly basis. Occasionally, performance analyses are also written for formal assessment or on end-of-semester examinations. These tasks commonly involve describing the use of facial expressions by one or more performers.
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Theatre students sometimes find those tiny movements of lips, eyes, cheeks and skin notoriously difficult to describe. Part of the problem lies in the fact that they are so small. It’s relatively easy to describe an actor’s movement on stage because it is usually clearly visible and easily interpreted. But not so with facial expressions.
While musical theatre is renowned for having actors use large facial expressions to convey emotion, straight dramas are another challenge altogether. Subtle use of facial expressions is often deliberate in stage plays and can convey so much about a particular character. But once you have spotted them, how do you analyse and evaluate their use in an academic tone without sounding clichéd?
This curated list of words below should prove helpful for students trying to successfully describe an actor’s use of facial expressions in performance. Easy-to-understand synonyms accompanying each word have been carefully selected to be as relevant as possible to the context of a facial expression. There’s no need for students and teachers to look up the dictionary for the meaning.
Students could also use words on this list for practical exercises in drama class, such as getting into pairs, writing some of the words on cards and displaying them to each other with the aim of enacting the facial expression as best as possible. Enjoy!
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230 Powerful Words Describing Facial Expression In Performance
| Word | Meaning via Simple Synonyms |
|---|---|
| absent | dreamy, inattentive, daydreaming, distracted |
| aggressive | hostile, angry, feisty, surly, huffy, prickly |
| agonised | aching, grief-stricken, suffering, grieving, tortured, troubled |
| alluring | magnetic, enticing, entrancing, charming, appealing |
| angry | furious, irate, mad, enraged, outraged, annoyed, seething |
| angular | pointed, sharp, crooked, jagged, tight |
| anxious | worried, uneasy, concerned, troubled, nervous, tense, edgy |
| apologetic | sorry, regretful, remorseful, shamefaced, repentant |
| appealing | inviting, agreeable, delightful, angelic, pleasing, radiant |
| bashful | reserved, coy, timid, withdrawn, sheepish, meek, apprehensive |
| batted | lagged, limped, chilled, ambled, tarried, lingered |
| beaming | radiant, cheerful, glowing, joyous, bright, blissful, thrilled |
| befuddled | bewildered, confused, perplexed, muddled, mystified |
| bilious | irritable, grumpy, grouchy, crabby, cranky, touchy, crotchety |
| black | gloomy, miserable, sad, wretched, glum, bleak, dismal |
| blank | vacant, expressionless, deadpan, empty, stony, glazed, cold |
| blazing | passionate, intense, emotional, raging, searing, hot, sultry |
| bleak | gloomy, dismal, sombre, miserable, dreary, glum, sullen, grim |
| blissful | delighted, cheerful, joyful, elated, enraptured, overjoyed |
| blithe | carefree, merry, buoyant, breezy, upbeat, light-hearted, jolly |
| bored | jaded, listless, weary, apathetic, disinterested |
| brooding | gloomy, dark, glum, grim, ominous, heavy, scowling |
| bug-eyed | interested, excited, fascinated, absorbed, exuberant |
| bulging | swollen, raised, extended, popping, elevated, prominent |
| burning | intense, passionate, fiery, emotional, eager, spirited, charged |
| calculating | reflective, absorbing, philosophical, thoughtful, contemplative |
| cautious | alert, guarded, wary, vigilant, measured, watchful |
| chagrined | bothered, flustered, agitated, embarrassed, unsettled |
| cheeky | mischievous, devilish, roguish, playful, wicked, joking, |
| cheerful | glad, jolly, merry, joyful, jovial, chirpy, bright, sprightly |
| cheerless | miserable, bleak, depressing, drab, gloomy |
| choleric | angry, irate, enflamed, enraged, furious, hot, incensed |
| clenched | tense, tight, pressed, closed, snared, squashed |
| cold | unfriendly, frosty, inhospitable, stiff, sullen, icy, chilly |
| compassionate | understanding, tender, empathetic, caring, merciful, giving |
| composed | calm, cool, collected, unfazed, poised, emotionless |
| concealed | covered, obscured, hidden, cloaked, private, masked |
| concentrating | focused, gathered, fixated |
| confident | assured, assertive, collected, cool, calm |
| cool | frosty, chilly, snappy, remote, distant, smooth, cultivated |
| coy | withdrawn, reserved, sheepish, unassertive, meek, timid |
| creased | crinkled, furrowed, puckered, crumpled |
| crestfallen | downcast, sad, despondent, miserable, sorrowful, low |
| crimson | blush, flush, glow, bloom, radiance, warmth |
| crinkled | creased, puckered, crumpled, furrowed, grooved, ribbed |
| curious | probing, questioning, enquiring, examining, inquisitive |
| curved | bent, twisting, slanted, rounded, hooked, deformed |
| dark | gloomy, black, sombre, dismal, pessimistic, melancholy, glum |
| deadpan | expressionless, blank, vacant, emotionless, stony, fixed |
| deceitful | insincere, dishonest, deceptive, untrustworthy, sly, cunning |
| dejected | gloomy, miserable, downcast, melancholy, unhappy, sad |
| demure | shy, modest, reserved, bashful, humble, sheepish, coy |
| derisive | scornful, scathing, mocking, sarcastic, contemptuous |
| despondent | sad, dejected, miserable, downcast, glum, dismal |
| determined | unwavering, firm, intent, driven, resolute, earnest |
| disappointed | disillusioned, dispirited, dejected, miffed, beaten |
| disapproving | critical, denouncing, scornful, negative, antagonistic, severe |
| disbelieving | suspicious, mistrustful, doubtful, sceptical, questioning |
| disgusted | displeased, appalled, repulsed, outraged, repelled |
| distasteful | dreadful, vile, nauseating, foul, objectionable, sickening |
| doleful | sorrowful, mournful, sad, melancholy, forlorn, gloomy |
| dour | stern, grim, dismal, sullen, surly, frowning, dreary, fierce |
| downcast | despondent, sad, dispirited, crestfallen, brokenhearted |
| dreamy | whimsical, surreal, vague, wistful, whimsical, fantastical |
| drooped | closed, fallen, diminished, dwindled, decreased, collapsed |
| ecstatic | elated, delighted, stoked, rapturous, overjoyed, thrilled |
| enraged | furious, incensed, angry, livid, ballistic |
| envious | jealous, green-eyed, desiring, covetous |
| etched | fixed, impressed, engraved, imprinted, stamped, set |
| evil | wicked, immoral, sinful, bad, wrongful, sinister, devilish |
| evil-looking | menacing, frightening, scary, spooky, eerie, creepy |
| exasperated | irritated, cross, annoyed, infuriated, irked, irate, vexed |
| exhausted | fatigued, weary, tired, wasted, spent, beat |
| expressionless | deadpan, blank, poker-faced, unemotional, glazed, wooden |
| faded | lifeless, lacklustre, dull, washed-out, sombre, weak |
| faint | weak, feeble, infirm, frail, soft, fatigued |
| fake | artificial, false, phoney, insincere, hollow, unnatural |
| fixed | expressionless, emotionless, glazed, cold, glassy, soulless |
| flared | raged, fumed, boiled, steamed, enraged |
| flushed | fiery, hot, burning, feverish, torrid, scalding |
| fluttering | vibrant, pulsating, palpitating, quavering, trembly, jittery |
| frustrated | discontented, irritated, agitated, afflicted, bothered |
| full | ample, detailed, lavish, abundant |
| furrowed | wrinkled, crinkled, creased, grooved, puckered |
| furtive | secretive, covert, sneaky, undercover, stealthy, sly, hidden |
| gazing | staring, gaping, peering, contemplative, eyeballing, scanning |
| gentle | kind, compassionate, tender, calm, soft, tranquil, placid |
| glancing | quick, brief, hurried, fleeting, hasty, passing, momentary |
| glaring | obvious, blatant, unmistakable, noticeable, open, overt |
| glazed | blank, expressionless, vacant, fixed, empty, glassy |
| gleaming | bright, glimmering, glowing, sparkling, radiant |
| glossy | sleek, brilliant, glistening, smooth, glassy, slick |
| glowing | dazzling, luminous, beaming, splendid, sunny |
| grave | solemn, lifeless, serious, weighty, severe, sober, grim |
| grieving | anguished, mournful, sorrowful, aching, inconsolable |
| grim | stern, steely, sullen, glum, stony, stark, grave |
| grimacing | frowning, scowling, sneering, puckering |
| guilty | shamefaced, remorseful, regretful, sorry, sheepish, defeated |
| happy | joyful, merry, exuberant, ecstatic, cheery, elated |
| hard | determined, formidable, resolute, stern, strong, tough |
| haunted | tormented, tortured, tortured, anxious, frightened, terrified |
| haunting | eerie, spooky, creepy, affecting, stirring |
| honest | truthful, sincere, forthright, genuine, candid, frank |
| hopeless | helpless, despairing, wretched, dejected, anguished |
| horrified | scared, alarmed, terrified, fearful |
| hostile | unfriendly, unkind, antagonistic, militant, intimidating |
| hot | searing, boiling, roasting, steaming, fiery, flaming |
| hunted | harassed, panic-stricken, unsettled, frightened, tormented |
| hurt | aching, suffering, wounded, bruised, injured |
| hysterical | frantic, uncontrollable, crazed, unrestrained, neurotic |
| idiotic | foolish, witless, mindless, irrational, senseless, absurd |
| impassive | emotionless, expressionless, blank, deadpan, unmoved |
| indifferent | apathetic, disinterested, casual, lukewarm, oblivious |
| innocent | pure, sinless, righteous, upright, pristine, holy |
| inscrutable | mysterious, unexplainable, confusing, cryptic, bewildering |
| interested | curious, fascinated, eager, absorbed, inquisitive, keen |
| jeering | mocking, sneering, taunting, scornful, disrespectful |
| joyful | delighted, happy, glad, merry, cheerful |
| keen | eager, anxious, enthusiastic, earnest, willing |
| knitted | furrowed, frown, confused, quizzical |
| languid | sluggish, lethargic, sleepy, inactive, slothful, impassive |
| leering | staring, gawking, ogling, eyeing, gazing, gaping |
| lifted | raised, elevated, hoisted, proud, airy |
| lonely | alone, solitary, isolated, deserted, removed |
| lovestruck | captivated, infatuated, charmed, spellbound, obsessed |
| masked | concealed, covered, hidden, screened, veiled, disguised |
| meaningful | expressive, suggestive, significant, pointed, deep, revelatory |
| meditative | reflective, contemplative, pensive, thoughtful, brooding |
| mesmerising | captivating, enthralling, entrancing, alluring, gripping, absorbing |
| mild | gentle, temperate, delicate, pleasant, calm, mellow |
| mischievous | playful, devilish, wayward, troublesome, wicked, rebellious |
| miserable | depressed, down, sad, melancholy, unhappy |
| moody | sullen, temperamental, emotional, grumpy |
| morose | brooding, moody, grouchy, cranky, surly |
| mournful | grieving, heavy, lamentable, sombre, heavyhearted |
| negative | pessimistic, defeatist, gloomy, fatalistic |
| obstinate | firm, dogged, determined, inflexible, headstrong |
| optimistic | hopeful, optimistic, reassuring, heartening, upbeat |
| pained | aggrieved, disgruntled, displeased, offended, distressed |
| pale | sickly, ashen, leaden, ghastly, deathlike, anaemic |
| paranoid | distrustful, doubtful, suspicious, cynical, sceptical, guarded |
| peeved | annoyed, bothered, irked, irritated, vexed, aggravated |
| perplexed | confused, bewildered, bemused, baffled, puzzled |
| petulant | surly, cranky, grumpy, irritable, uptight, testy |
| piercing | intense, fierce, severe, stabbing, powerful, penetrating |
| pitying | compassionate, sympathetic, caring, comforting, merciful |
| pleading | imploring, urgent, earnest, begging, tenacious |
| pouting | frowning, grimacing, scowling, sulking |
| prudish | virtuous, good, wholesome, pure, innocent |
| puckered | wrinkled, crumpled, crinkled, ruffled, contracted, knitted, pursed |
| pursed | creased, tightened, pouted, pressed, puckered, gathered |
| puzzled | baffled, confused, mystified, perplexed, stumped |
| quivering | trembling, shaking, shuddering, fluttering |
| quizzical | curious, questioning, enquiring, probing, baffled, perplexed |
| radiant | bright, brilliant, glowing, luminous, beaming |
| regretful | apologetic, remorseful, repentant, sorry, contrite |
| relieved | appeased, reassured, eased, consoled, grateful, solaced |
| roguish | mischievous, devilish, playful, wicked, sly |
| round | circular, curved, bulbous, plump, ample, fleshy |
| sad | unhappy, sorrowful, miserable, upset, depressed, somber, blue |
| sardonic | sarcastic, caustic, mocking, cutting, scathing, biting |
| satisfied | content, gratified, fulfilled, pleased |
| scarlet | red, ruby, cherry, claret, rose |
| scornful | contemptuous, scoffing, sneering, abhorrent, belittling |
| scowled | grimaced, frowned, pouted, smirked, contorted, distorted |
| scrunched | crushed, compacted, puckered, crinkled, creased, furrowed |
| searching | probing, enquiring, curious, interested |
| set | parked, planted, settled, put |
| shamefaced | ashamed, embarrassed, guilty, humiliated, sheepish, mortified |
| sheepish | self-conscious, awkward, humiliated, blushing, shy, abashed |
| shocked | stunned, amazed, dumbfounded, flabbergasted, startled |
| slack-jawed | open-mouthed, big-mouthed, dazzled, stupefied |
| slanting | titled, angled, crooked, distortion, untrue, false |
| sly | cunning, devious, crafty, shifty, |
| small | trivial, insignificant, irrelevant, minor, negligible, immaterial |
| smile | grin, beam, leer, smug, broad, smirk |
| smirked | grinned, sniggered, sneered, leered |
| smooth | suave, debonair, mannerly, sophisticated, refined |
| smug | conceited, egotistical, vain, pompous, arrogant, prideful |
| snarling | scowling, sneering, abusing, spiteful, gruff, tense |
| solemn | sombre, glum, serious, sedate, profound, staid |
| sombre | bleak, dreary, gloomy, grim, drab, forlorn |
| sorrowful | sad, melancholy, miserable, unhappy, downcast, crestfallen |
| sour | bitter, disagreeable, spiteful, crotchety, churlish |
| sparkling | lively, animated, vivacious, vibrant, dazzling |
| squinted | peered, peeked, peeped, leered, glinted |
| stern | serious, sombre, steely, harsh, humourless, frowning |
| stolid | apathetic, dull, emotionless, stoic, blank, expressionless |
| straight-faced | deadpan, grave, cheerless, expressionless, stern, grim |
| sulky | surly, sullen, moody, petulant, pouting, grumpy |
| sullen | sulky, pouting, glum, cranky, brooding |
| surly | irritable, cross, curt, glum, moody, prickly |
| surprised | shocked, stunned, dumbfounded, startled, astonished |
| sweet | agreeable, pleasant, kindly, good-natured, amiable, affable |
| sympathetic | compassionate, kindly, thoughtful, caring, kindhearted |
| taunting | mocking, scoffing, scornful, spiteful, insulting, snide, scathing |
| taut | rigid, extended, stiff, tense, inflexible, tough, stressed |
| tear-filled | dewy-eyed, teary, weeping, unhappy, miserable, emotional |
| tense | worried, edgy, uptight, agitated, perturbed, nervy, antsy |
| thick | solid, bulky, stocky, beefy, plump, heavyset |
| thin | slim, slender, lean, bony, slight, scrawny, gaunt, willowy |
| thoughtful | reflective, meditative, dreamy, engrossed, contemplative |
| tight | taut, rigid, tense, stiff, stressed, firm, solid, inflexible |
| tight-lipped | stern, grim, grave, disapproving, steely, sombre, stark |
| trembling | quaking, shaking, nervous, apprehensive, cowardly, timid |
| troubled | worried, anxious, bothered, unsettling, afflicted |
| turned up | grinning, smiling, laughing, snarling |
| twisted | warped, bent, curved, angled, corrupt, distorted, tangled |
| twitching | quivering, fluttering, darting, flapping, trembling, agitated |
| undecided | unsure, uncertain, doubtful, wavering, indecisive |
| vacant | blank, expressionless, deadpan, stony, lifeless, empty |
| veiled | concealed, disguised, masked, hidden, camouflaged, covert |
| wary | cautious, alert, watchful, guarded, suspicious, mistrustful |
| weary | drained, fatigued,. spent, jaded, worn, drowsy |
| white | sickly, anaemic, deathlike, drained, sapped, washed-out |
| wide-eyed | naive, innocent, simple, unsuspecting, gullible, |
| withdrawn | introverted, reserved, quiet, shy, coy, bashful |
| withering | drooping, shrinking, shrivelling, wilting, decaying |
| woeful | sorrowful, mournful, heartbroken, grieving |
| worried | troubled, anxious, bothered, uneasy, distressed, tense |
| wrathful | incensed, enraged, livid, furious, angered, outraged |
| wrinkled | lined, creased, furrowed, grooved, shrivelled, puckered |
| wry | annoyed, disgusted, displeased, offended, unimpressed, irked |
great to put the words together. Grateful if you include the meaning alongside each word
You are correct, Lydia! It is so great.
Great list, but I think it would be great if you added meanings alongside the words.
Accusatory?
Mild is repeated once. Just thought I’d tell you.
Hi Justin,
I’ve always found these really useful. I could really use a list like this for each of the performance skills. Is that a resource you would consider creating?