smarmy
adjective C2
Plain meaning
too polite or charming in a way that feels fake and unpleasant
Exam-register meaning
ingratiating and insincere in manner
In context
naturalThe salesman’s smarmy smile made me distrust him.
examThe character’s smarmy politeness masks his desire for social advantage.
Common collocations
smarmy smilesmarmy mannersmarmy compliment
Watch out
Smarmy is informal and negative; use insincere or ingratiating in formal essays.
Word family
smarm (noun, informal)smarmily (adverb)