# deadpan

/ˈdɛdˌpæn/ (US) · /dˈɛdpæn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deadpan
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

showing no emotion on your face, even when something is funny. You use it for jokes told in a serious, calm way.

For teachers: deliberately impassive in facial expression, especially while delivering humour. Often describes a comic style where serious demeanour contrasts with absurd content.

## Examples

- She tells funny stories with a deadpan face.
- The teacher keeps a deadpan expression while reading the silly poem, and the class laughs even harder.
- The comedian's deadpan delivery made the absurd stories feel even funnier because his face never changed.

## Synonyms

blank, emotionless, expressionless, impassive, unemotional

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also follows linking verbs such as 'remain' or 'stay'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.