SMARM Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

smarm

noun

Definition of smarm

as in ingratiation

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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 smarm As an aspiring New York City comic recently separated from his wife, Arnett is earnest, slightly lost and — for perhaps the first time ever onscreen — entirely smarm-less. — Carla Meyer, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 Dec. 2025 Man’s Best Friend’s dewy charm/smarm offensive also seems purposely set to so much country music, a field shaped by its key artists’ and core audience’s Christian family values. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 Among the most attention-getting of the pickups (speaking of Carell) was Peacock and The Office creators trotting out their new show, a mockumentary shot at a mid-city newspaper, complete with the return of Oscar Martinez and his smarm. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025 At its worst, the earnestness curdles into self-congratulatory smarm. — Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 29 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for smarm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smarm

Noun

As was the case with the white-and-green dress for her Pakistan tour, Elizabeth, in her fashion choices, sought not only to avoid giving offense but to offer symbolic ingratiation, and among the most fascinating garments on display are those representing diplomatic dressing.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Each chapter discusses a specific sales element, which includes such topics as goal setting, prospecting, ingratiation and listening tactics, empathy and much more.

— Larry D. Urish, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026

Definition of ingratiation

Noun

The conversations on stage ranged from how to tackle a growing AI divide between the global north and the global south to technical solutions for mitigating AI risks like models engaging in deception and sycophancy.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 9 July 2026
One of the main culprits is the models’ propensity for sycophancy.

— Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 June 2026

Definition of sycophancy

Noun

Bobby Wilson was a pastor’s son who grew up idolizing the kind of R&B dudes who could wail a praise song and then hit up Freaknik afterwards (think Jodeci and H-Town).

— Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 July 2026
Amassing 2 million views and widespread praise, these videos feature photorealistic AI versions of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, with stories set between *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of praise

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small-timers

smarm

smart

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“Smarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smarm. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of smarm

noun

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