simpering 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of simperingnext
as in histrionic

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simpering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of simper
as in laughing

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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 simpering
Adjective
Whether this is also the outcome for Hozier’s simpering reprobate is up for the listener to decide. — Tom Zoellner, SPIN, 29 May 2024 The Crown has become too simpering, and has suffered for that reverence. — Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simpering
  1. histrionic
  2. laughing
  3. melodramatic
  4. grinning
  5. cute
  6. smiling
  7. cutesy
  8. exaggerated
Adjective
  • Moore is genuinely hilarious in the role, transforming under the tutelage of Paul Giamatti’s world-weary director character Jerry from a timid mouse into an indomitable and histrionic artist.
    — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The same moral tact might apply, in less histrionic matters, to the ordinary deceptions and silences by which social life is made bearable.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of histrionic
Verb
  • During one sequence, Swift sits in her director’s chair with Kelce standing behind her, smiling and laughing with his hands lovingly holding her arms.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Israeli soldiers filmed themselves in high definition laughing, looting homes, destroying entire rows of buildings, humiliating civilians, even killing them.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of laughing
Adjective
  • Neither maudlin nor melodramatic, and without any glorification, the song is infected by the same chilling gloom which has glommed onto the best of Messrs Linkous, Berman, and Drake.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • While the country’s Bollywood machine continues apace, favoring melodramatic stories, this JioHotstar program has challenged its audience – and wider society, by extension – to really think about the nature of life in the country.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of melodramatic
Verb
  • Both Ruto, behind the wheel, and Chivayo are seen laughing, with Chivayo's wife grinning from the back seat.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • And then Chambliss drew the Tigers offsides not once but twice, the quarterback grinning a Cheshire grin after the second, as if LSU had fallen into his trap.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of grinning
Adjective
  • Henry makes a cute joke about Arch’s wife; Arch weeps due to the hardships of war.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Someone tells you that the rats are actually cute, what’s your honest response?
    — Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of cute
Verb
  • At the conclusion of an English-language service interspersed with hymns in Arabic, the priest introduced Salazar, who stood up in the front row, smiling and waving.
    — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Our photos — of Leo smiling at the Vatican and posing at scenic overlooks — attest to that.
    — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of smiling
Adjective
  • The month of October offers some on-theme treats, like a doughnut dressed in a green monster costume that resembles a cutesy Frankenstein’s monster.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The idea is to steer clear of anything too twee or cutesy, instead opting for florals with a little personality.
    — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of cutesy
Adjective
  • While her sculptural dress commanded attention with its plunging neckline and exaggerated peplum waist, her shoes provided a sleek, minimalist finish that tied the entire look together.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • While there are men who have been affected — George Brett Olson has been one vocal example — the majority affected seem to be women, whose likenesses are often exaggerated or distorted for the purposes of sexualization.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of exaggerated

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Cite this Entry

“Simpering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simpering. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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