: smarmy language or behavior

Examples of smarm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
While Jake Gyllenhaal keeps Rusty tightly wrapped in a tornado of resentment and self-pity and Peter Sarsgaard amps up the smarm he’s known for, Fagbenle’s Nico is free to ping-pong around in his affect. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 23 July 2024 At its worst, the earnestness curdles into self-congratulatory smarm. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 29 June 2024 The movie’s entrancing and melancholy beauty feels old-fashioned in a contemporary animation world largely defined by clutter and smarm. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 May 2024 Oliver brings in Matthew Broderick, playing himself with exaggerated smarm, who effortlessly breezes through the patter song. Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for smarm 

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from smarmy

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smarm was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near smarm

Cite this Entry

“Smarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smarm. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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