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View synonyms for simper

simper

[ sim-per ]

verb (used without object)

  1. to smile in a silly, self-conscious way.

    Synonyms: snicker, snigger, smirk



verb (used with object)

  1. to say with a simper.

noun

  1. a silly, self-conscious smile.

    Synonyms: snicker, snigger, smirk

simper

/ ˈsɪmpə /

verb

  1. intr to smile coyly, affectedly, or in a silly self-conscious way
  2. tr to utter (something) in a simpering manner


noun

  1. a simpering smile; smirk

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Derived Forms

  • ˈsimperingly, adverb
  • ˈsimpering, adjectivenoun
  • ˈsimperer, noun

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Other Words From

  • simper·er noun
  • simper·ing·ly adverb
  • un·simper·ing adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of simper1

First recorded in 1560–70; related to the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Swiss dialect adjective semper “affected, coy,” German zimpfer “dainty, affected,” and to Middle Dutch zimperlijc “affected, coy”; further etymology unknown

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Word History and Origins

Origin of simper1

C16: probably from Dutch simper affected

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Example Sentences

"My, they must be in a hurry to see us," said Grace, with a simper that sent the girls off into gales of laughter.

Of course her smile was a make-believe, nothing more nor less than a simper.

How fain she would have drawn on Sophocles To come aboard, and how she simper'd it—Ped.

Could design lodge in that empty-looking head with its crisp curls, button nose, and diminishing simper?

Mammy Susan held that: "Seasonin' is the maindest thing in cookin', that an' 'lowin' victuals to simper and not bile too hard."

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