simper

verb sim·per \ ˈsim-pər \

Examples: simper in a Sentence

Definition of simper

simpered; simpering play \ˈsim-p(ə-)riŋ\

intransitive verb

: to smile in a silly manner

transitive verb

: to say with a simper

simpered an apology

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simperer

play \ˈsim-pər-ər\ noun

See simper defined for English-language learners

See simper defined for kids

Examples of simper in a Sentence

He simpered and smirked while he talked to the boss.
She simpered that she had gone to all this trouble for a reason.

Recent Examples of simper from the Web

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, "Sex, Spies, and Clunky Computers on “The Americans”," 7 Mar. 2017
Lastly, Colman does beleaguered, long-suffering wife like a champ, turning what could be simpering roles into simmering ones.

— Vogue, "Why Olivia Colman Is The Crown’s Perfect New Queen," 29 Oct. 2017
This story of bumbling boors, chiseling social climbers, and simpering fops gallivanting and scheming around the London countryside is crisply performed by a uniformly excellent cast.

— steve heisler, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Do This ‘Amy Krouse Rosenthal: A Beauty Salon’ at Carrie Secrist Gallery, Kyle Mooney at Thalia Hall, and more things to do this week in Chicago," 10 July 2017
This story of bumbling boors, chiseling social climbers, and simpering fops gallivanting and scheming around the London countryside is crisply performed by a uniformly excellent cast.

— steve heisler, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Do This ‘Amy Krouse Rosenthal: A Beauty Salon’ at Carrie Secrist Gallery, Kyle Mooney at Thalia Hall, and more things to do this week in Chicago," 10 July 2017
This story of bumbling boors, chiseling social climbers, and simpering fops gallivanting and scheming around the London countryside is crisply performed by a uniformly excellent cast.

— steve heisler, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Do This ‘Amy Krouse Rosenthal: A Beauty Salon’ at Carrie Secrist Gallery, Kyle Mooney at Thalia Hall, and more things to do this week in Chicago," 10 July 2017
This story of bumbling boors, chiseling social climbers, and simpering fops gallivanting and scheming around the London countryside is crisply performed by a uniformly excellent cast.

— steve heisler, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Do This ‘Amy Krouse Rosenthal: A Beauty Salon’ at Carrie Secrist Gallery, Kyle Mooney at Thalia Hall, and more things to do this week in Chicago," 10 July 2017
This story of bumbling boors, chiseling social climbers, and simpering fops gallivanting and scheming around the London countryside is crisply performed by a uniformly excellent cast.

— Chicago Reader, "Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies," 22 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of simper

akin to Middle Dutch zimperlijc elegant, Danish dialect simper affected, coy

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1563

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

See Words from the same year

simper

noun

Definition of simper

: a silly smile : smirk

Recent Examples of simper from the Web

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, "Why does Chicago continue to embrace Al Capone?," 21 Dec. 2017