as in boiling
to cook in a liquid heated to the point that it gives off steam
I gently simmered the chili for an hour
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of simmering
Fan groups and simmering frustrations For many Americans, the pomp and circumstance of the royals still holds allure.
—
Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
The decision marks the latest escalation in a long-simmering feud between DeSantis and Perez, who has sought to assert the House’s independence after years in which lawmakers largely aligned with the governor’s priorities.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
The shoes’ apparent success is the latest shot fired in a long-simmering war among athletic wear companies to design footwear to help people move faster on long-distance runs.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026
In rejecting the case, the high court again sidesteps a simmering battle that pits the right of parents to direct their child's care against policies enacted in recent years that aim to protect students' privacy and prevent public schools from outing transgender students to their families.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
After two seasons of simmering tension and political maneuvering, the conflict between Rhaenyra and Aegon will escalate into open, devastating warfare.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
The eruptions – yours, the partner’s – suggest that there’s a lot that’s been simmering underneath your interactions.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
The only other character who shares Michael’s story equally is patriarch Joe, played with simmering menace by an always excellent Colman Domingo.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
As for Liz and Kelsey’s simmering conflict, the pair finally meet up to clear the air by the water where Liz’s boat is docked.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
The decision marks the latest escalation in a long-simmering feud between DeSantis and Perez, who has sought to assert the House’s independence after years in which lawmakers largely aligned with the governor’s priorities.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
The shoes’ apparent success is the latest shot fired in a long-simmering war among athletic wear companies to design footwear to help people move faster on long-distance runs.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026
In rejecting the case, the high court again sidesteps a simmering battle that pits the right of parents to direct their child's care against policies enacted in recent years that aim to protect students' privacy and prevent public schools from outing transgender students to their families.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
After two seasons of simmering tension and political maneuvering, the conflict between Rhaenyra and Aegon will escalate into open, devastating warfare.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
The eruptions – yours, the partner’s – suggest that there’s a lot that’s been simmering underneath your interactions.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
The only other character who shares Michael’s story equally is patriarch Joe, played with simmering menace by an always excellent Colman Domingo.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
As for Liz and Kelsey’s simmering conflict, the pair finally meet up to clear the air by the water where Liz’s boat is docked.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simmering
Verb
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One-Pan Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Peas All the creaminess of a traditional chicken alfredo (one of our favorite chicken recipes)—minus the extra pot for boiling the pasta.—
Ashlyn Ware,
Midwest Living,
24 Apr. 2026
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Pouring 2 to 3 gallons of boiling water on a fire ant mound will kill the mound about 60% of the time.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Detroit Red Wings sat on the bench, stewing in stunned silence, after their latest loss sealed their fate as a franchise relegated to watching the NHL playoffs on TV.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
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The tomatoes for the shakshouka have been stewing for hours.—
Liam Scott,
Washington Post,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Simmering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simmering. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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