expressions of disbelief or exasperation

Expressions of disbelief or exasperation are often summed up in the single 9‑letter word “FACEPALMS” , especially in the context of a recent New York Times crossword clue.

What the phrase means

• “Expressions of disbelief or exasperation” refers to reactions people have when something is so surprising, silly, or frustrating that they have to react outwardly.

• In the crossword context, those reactions are specifically captured by the plural noun “facepalms,” meaning repeated or multiple gestures of putting one’s palm to the face in dismay or annoyance.

Why “FACEPALMS” fits

• A facepalm is widely recognized online and in everyday language as a gesture for “I can’t believe this” or “this is so stupid/frustrating,” matching both disbelief and exasperation closely.

• The New York Times and several crossword‑helper sites confirm “FACEPALMS” as the 9‑letter answer associated with that exact clue wording in the January 17, 2026 puzzle.

Related expressions in language

Outside of that specific clue, people show disbelief or exasperation with:

• Verbal interjections like “Argh,” “Gah,” “Dang,” “Darn,” “Oh man,” “Oh snap,” which signal frustration, disappointment, or regret in reaction to some event.

• Dismissive or annoyed sounds such as “Tsk,” “Bah,” “Humph,” often used when someone disapproves or is tired of how things are going.

TL;DR: For the clue “expressions of disbelief or exasperation,” the answer is FACEPALMS , the plural of the gesture where someone plants their hand on their face in frustrated disbelief.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.