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Definition of smarminess

smarminess

/ˈsmɑːr.mi.nəs/
smar · mi · ness
Adverb:smarmily
•
Adjective:smarmy
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smarminess Lexical Profile

smarminess Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of being ingratiating, excessively flattering, and insincerely earnest in an unappealing or oily manner.

Example

"The voters were immediately put off by the candidate's calculated smarminess during the televised debate."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for smarminess

• Nearby Words

smalls
smalltime
smalltown
smarminess
smarmy
smart
smartass

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the adjective "smarmy," which comes from the mid-19th-century British dialect verb "smarm," meaning to smear or slick down hair with grease or pomade, before evolving to describe slick, oily flattery.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Smarminess. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/smarminess
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