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disarming

adjective
dis·​arm·​ing | \ dis-ˈär-miŋ How to pronounce disarming (audio) , diz-, ˈdis-ˌär-\

Definition of disarming

: allaying criticism or hostility : ingratiating a disarming smile
Other Words from disarming Synonyms & Antonyms When Should You Use disarming? More Example Sentences Learn More about disarming

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Other Words from disarming

disarmingly \ dis-​ˈär-​miŋ-​lē How to pronounce disarmingly (audio) , diz-​ , ˈdis-​ˌär-​ \ adverb

When Should You Use disarming?

A defeated country is sometimes forced to disarm (give up its weapons), and research may be aimed at disarming a deadly virus (making it incapable of doing damage). But the meaning of the adjective disarming isn't quite so physical. If you say your nephew has a disarming smile, you mean that his smile's warmth and genuineness disarm the people he meets of any possible suspicion or criticism and of any verbal weapons they might have used against him.

Examples of disarming in a Sentence

We were all charmed by his disarming openness and modesty. a thoroughly disarming little rascal who can talk his way out of any trouble

Recent Examples on the Web

 MUSICAL BEGINNINGS Maezawa’s trademark defiant but disarming style may be rooted in his start as a musician, playing drums in indies rock bands. — Yuri Kageyama, The Seattle Times, "Moonstruck Japan tycoon to blast off on 1st SpaceX trip," 18 Sep. 2018 Franklin's style is different, more disarming but equally effective. — Bill Landis, cleveland.com, "Urban Meyer-James Franklin: Who's winning the battle now, who will prevail in the future?," 27 Oct. 2017 One of the most disarming aspects of Roberts' vocals always has been her tendency to shy away from the peak notes in any given melody line. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "Judy Roberts swings back home to Chicago for Jazz Showcase residency," 9 June 2017 Its disarming atmosphere, with an East Coast beach decor. — Brenda Cain, cleveland.com, "Coastal Taco brings a beach-y vibe: Best Tacos contest (photos, video, poll)," 8 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disarming.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of disarming

1839, in the meaning defined above

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Statistics for disarming

Last Updated

23 Apr 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for disarming

The first known use of disarming was in 1839

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More Definitions for disarming

disarming

adjective
How to pronounce disarming (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of disarming

: tending to remove any feelings of unfriendliness or distrust

See the full definition for disarming in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on disarming

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with disarming

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for disarming

Nglish: Translation of disarming for Spanish Speakers

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