smarmy
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for smarmy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Excessively flattering or ingratiating in an insincere, oily way.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use smarmy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
smarmy grin
smarmy salesman
Etymology
Coined around 1899 from an older dialect word "smarm," which described being falsely sweet or unctuous.
Full origin of smarmy →Frequently asked questions
What does “smarmy” mean?
The word “smarmy” means excessively flattering or ingratiating in an insincere, oily way. In plain terms, fake-nice in a way that feels slippery and untrustworthy.
How do you pronounce “smarmy”?
“Smarmy” is pronounced SMAH-mee (/ˈsmɑɹ.mi/ in IPA).
How do you use “smarmy” in a sentence?
Here is “smarmy” used in a sentence: “The car salesman had a smarmy charm that made her uneasy.”
What part of speech is “smarmy”?
“Smarmy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “smarmy” come from?
The word “smarmy” dates back to around 1899. Coined around 1899 from an older dialect word "smarm," which described being falsely sweet or unctuous.
