Meaning & use

Simpering

adjective·Advanced

Last updated

Smiling or speaking in a silly, self-conscious, or affectedly sweet way.

See it in a sentence

He gave a simpering smile that made her uneasy.

The waiter's simpering flattery began to feel insincere.

A note on using this word

Comes from the verb 'simper,' of uncertain origin and first recorded in the 16th century; it usually implies a smile that is false or overly sweet rather than genuine.

Words with a similar meaning

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

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

to smile or speak in a silly, self-conscious way

She simpered at the compliment instead of answering.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “Simpering”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.