simmering anger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simmering anger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of anger that is not expressed openly but is present beneath the surface, often building up over time. Example: "After the meeting, I could sense her simmering anger about the decision that was made without her input."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Unbelievable," Mr. Zamir says with simmering anger.

The New York Times

They express simmering anger fueled by unemployment and racism.

The New York Times

And just as then, a trickle of deaths from police gunfire has sparked simmering anger.

The Economist

He articulated the Sunnis' simmering anger at being ousted from power.

The New York Times

Simmering anger triggered protests in Serekunda, with demonstrators calling for Jammeh's resignation.

The Guardian

In the show, he is defined by little more than his petulance and simmering anger.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The movie blames her repression of long-simmering anger for her detachment from him and from their two grown children.

The New York Times

This task force said the McDonald shooting and video were a tipping point that "gave voice to long-simmering anger" in the community.

The Washington Post

Behind what outsiders might see as a quixotic lawsuit is a deeper reason for his reaction: a long-simmering anger toward Japan.

The New York Times

For supporters of Mr. Smith, the Op-Ed article crystallized long-simmering anger at Goldman, drawn from years of resentment over bank bailouts and a government lawsuit against the firm.

The New York Times

That history helps explain the long-simmering anger that boiled over this week with the death on Sunday of Freddie Gray, 25, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in police custody.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simmering anger" to describe a feeling of anger that is not immediately obvious or explosive, but rather builds up gradually over time. It is best used when the anger is contained but has the potential to erupt.

Common error

Avoid using "simmering anger" to describe sudden or explosive anger. It's more appropriate for describing a slow-burning, internal state. For acute anger, use phrases like "sudden rage" or "outburst of anger".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simmering anger" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "simmering" modifies the noun "anger". It describes a particular state of anger – one that is not openly expressed but exists beneath the surface. Ludwig examples show it modifying people's feelings or describing the atmosphere of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simmering anger" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of suppressed or gradually building anger. As Ludwig highlights, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, serving to depict underlying tensions and foreshadow potential conflicts. While semantically related phrases like "latent rage" or "suppressed fury" exist, "simmering anger" uniquely conveys the slow-burning, internal nature of the emotion. To effectively use this phrase, focus on contexts where anger is contained but palpable, avoiding its application to sudden or explosive outbursts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

latent rage

Implies a hidden, unexpressed anger that is intense.

suppressed fury

Suggests a forceful anger being deliberately held back.

underlying resentment

Focuses on the bitterness and ill-will that fuels the anger.

smoldering indignation

Highlights a righteous anger that is quietly burning.

pent-up frustration

Emphasizes the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something, leading to anger.

seething animosity

Conveys a deep-seated hostility that is barely contained.

bottled-up wrath

Suggests a strong anger that has been consciously held back.

unspoken bitterness

Highlights the unspoken nature of the anger and its connection to disappointment.

repressed ire

Indicates a formal and controlled suppression of anger.

muffled outrage

Suggests that the anger is present but not openly expressed or heard.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "simmering anger" in a sentence?

Use "simmering anger" to portray a restrained but palpable sense of anger that is building beneath the surface. For example, "Despite his calm demeanor, I could sense the "simmering anger" over the unfair decision."

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "simmering anger"?

You can use alternatives like "latent rage", "suppressed fury", or "underlying resentment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of these suggests a different aspect of contained or hidden anger.

Is there a difference between "simmering anger" and "outburst of anger"?

"Simmering anger" describes a slow-building, internal state of anger, while "outburst of anger" describes a sudden, explosive expression of anger. They represent different stages and intensities of the emotion.

When is it most appropriate to use "simmering anger" in my writing?

It's best to use "simmering anger" when you want to convey a sense of restrained or suppressed anger that is not immediately visible but is present and growing stronger over time. It's useful for creating tension or foreshadowing a potential eruption of anger.