simmer
verb (used without object)
to cook or cook in a liquid at or just below the boiling point.
had been simmering
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past perfect progressiveof simmer.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The exchange broke open a feud that had been simmering for weeks out of public view.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2025
A contest that had been simmering in the background was suddenly thrust front and center this week by Mr. McConnell’s earlier-than-expected announcement that he would not seek to remain his party’s leader.
From New York Times ● Mar. 1, 2024
But even before the shortage, doubts about the FDA had been simmering.
From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2022
Tensions between the city's Black community, its political establishment and, especially, its police force had been simmering for years.
From Salon ● Dec. 31, 2021
But since Brad had shipped out and Katie had moved back in, the tension in our house had been simmering just below the boiling point.
From "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman
