Meaning & use

simmer

verb·Everyday

To cook food gently in liquid kept just below the boiling point.

See it in a sentence

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about twenty minutes before serving.

Her anger continued to simmer long after the argument had ended.

A note on using this word

Simmer is also used figuratively for a strong emotion, like anger or excitement, that is present but held under control.

Words with a similar meaning

stew

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

boil

Another way to use it

2. verb

To feel or express barely suppressed anger, excitement, or another strong emotion.

He simmered quietly in the back of the room throughout the entire meeting.

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