Make faces is a common phrase used to describe the act of distorting one's facial expressions for comedic, dramatic or expressive purposes. However, there are several other synonyms that can be used to describe this action. For example, grimace, frown, scowl, contort, distort, squint, smirk, sneer, pout, and so on. Each of these words conveys a different kind of facial expression, from a look of disgust to one of amusement or annoyance. Depending on the context, these synonyms can be used instead of "make faces" to add more nuance and specificity to the writer or speaker's message.