smarmy
adjective
excessively or unctuously flattering, ingratiating, servile, etc..
smarminess
-
a word derived from
smarmy.
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 depiction of family solidarity in the face of hardship is touching, and to Ms. Lee’s credit she portrays it simply, without smarminess.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
Steve Zahn is stuck portraying the designated villain, George Richey, Wynette’s last husband, and he’s given nothing to play but greed and smarminess, while Walton Goggins makes little impression as Montgomery, who’s a cipher.
From New York Times ● Dec. 1, 2022
Reynolds, who has the face and body of your standard hunky leading man, has the snarky delivery and inherent smarminess of a comic character actor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2021
The college basketball season has begun under two odiferous clouds, making it reasonable to wonder why this athletic appendage of higher education seems so susceptible to smarminess.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 24, 2017
It's like 'Couple's Retreat', but without the obvious yuck-yucks or smarminess.
From Time ● Aug. 7, 2012
