simper 1 of 2

simper

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of simper
Noun
Today’s announcement marks the emergence of a new GE, a high-tech industrial GE — simper, stronger, a more focused company at the core. Jon Chesto, BostonGlobe.com, 26 June 2018 Al Capone lived as a schoolyard bully, died in a simper with a brain et by syphilis, and lives on through eternity as a cigarillo mascot and gimme film role for dark-haired white actors who want a chance to really chew some scenery. Paul Dailing, Chicago Reader, 21 Dec. 2017
Verb
There was Bhanu, the simpering do-nothing who was eventually put out of his misery but shouldn’t have been cast in the first place. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 May 2024 And Grant has made something of a second career out of playing charmingly louche rogues of late, smiling and simpering to perfection as the greedy backstabbing Forge. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Mar. 2023 Didn’t want to be a part of that simpering sorority, a keeper of that shameful secret (for so it was considered at the time), that failure. Alice McDermott, Harper's Magazine, 11 Sep. 2023 But Parker always meant to play the quietly cunning Southern belle as anything but simpering, describing the elder DuBois sister as a mental poker player. Helena Andrews-Dyer, Washington Post, 23 June 2023 Seated at a ceremonial desk in an airplane hangar, doling out portions of his kingdom to simpering Goneril (Gilmore) and Regan (Lane), this Lear wears the infuriating smirk of a glutton for praise. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2023 Judging by his simpering public appearances with Putin -- including one where Trump dissed his own US intelligence agencies -- these calls would be fascinating. Stephen Collinson, CNN, 16 Oct. 2019 In recent seasons, Philip has retreated from the world of derring-do, embracing instead a simpering self-help doctrine emblematic of the era, while Elizabeth has turned into an ever more remorseless assassin. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2017 Lastly, Colman does beleaguered, long-suffering wife like a champ, turning what could be simpering roles into simmering ones. Vogue, 29 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simper
Noun
  • Next up, Woodall will turn his bedroom eyes and seductive smile to less romantic roles, starring opposite Russell Crowe in the war drama Nuremberg and Dustin Hoffman in the crime thriller Turner.
    Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The work, a cheeky take on America’s obsession with pop culture and internet discourse, brought an immediate smile to my face.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Mothers run after their children; one of them is developmentally disabled, but in a rural Chinese village circa 1991 he is treated as a laughing stock.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Here's another picture of Meester admiring a beaming Brody at the premiere of FX's Fleishman Is in Trouble. 07 of 10 XOXO, Leighton and Adam A couple that laughs together stays together!
    Brendan Le, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While guests at Trump’s Black History event whipped out their cell phones to take pictures of the president rubbing salt in our wounds, Woods just stood there with a grin as wide as the gulf between Black and white America, and said nothing.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Laval has curly hair, a chipmunk grin, and a voice that gurgles with enthusiasm.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • These terms are often tossed around with a smirk, used to describe parents who hover over every detail of their children’s lives—ensuring every problem is fixed, every obstacle removed.
    Marvin Krislov, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The fifth season of Hulu’s hit dystopian series had began with the smirk seen ’round the globe that pit June Osborne (Moss) against Serena Joy Waterford (Strahovski).
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Simper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simper. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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